Ange1 Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 I want to set up a homemade dust bath in one of those shallow flexible trugs? I know the hens will make their own in a boarder but whilst they are in their run they might want a quick bath?! I've been reading somewhere and I THINK this is what was suggested, am I right? Top soil sand (what sort though?) red mite powder? Anything else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 My girls LOVE their tubtrug bath, and they all bathe together. I use broadly equal quantities of: Play sand, compost, woodash and then I mix in some Aubiose (if the sand is wet), plus some Diatom or Red Mite powder, and a little Stalosan (which is a disinfectant) I have used coal ash, but I stopped as I read it can cause scaly leg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ange1 Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 ooh Hazel that's a lot more than I thought. I can hear my Boyfriend now 'we have sand'! It's builder's sharp sand though NOT play sand, shall i tell him NO now, or would it be okay?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 I have used coal ash, but I stopped as I read it can cause scaly leg. But scaly leg is a mite? I don't understand how it could be caused by coal ash. As long as your sand is horticultural grade it is ok. Playsand is just normally the cheapest and most readily available type of horticultural grade sand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 I have used coal ash, but I stopped as I read it can cause scaly leg. But scaly leg is a mite? I don't understand how it could be caused by coal ash. I don't remember where I read it now, and I've just done a quick google and can't find it. I don't think the article mentioned/meant scaly leg mite, I had the impression it caused problems for the legs IYSWIM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Probably not the best idea to use coal ash unless you like your chooks to look like miners anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMitch Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 I just use peat with a sprinkle of Diatom. earth in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 I use ash from my wood fire but we also burn coal sometimes. Wood and coal ash act as a preventative against most mites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ange1 Posted May 20, 2008 Author Share Posted May 20, 2008 what is diotom for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMitch Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 what is diotom for? See omlet link below http://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/shop.php?cat=Chicken%20Extras&sub=Health&product_id=230 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieSB Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 Does the dust bath have to be kept dry? Or do you leave it out in the rain and let it dry naturally? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMitch Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 Mine is in their run so is mainly undercover it does get a bit wet at the edges but soon dries out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 I left a dustbath in the rain last year. The combination of diatom and fine compost made something vaguely resembling concrete! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieSB Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 I left a dustbath in the rain last year. The combination of diatom and fine compost made something vaguely resembling concrete! Ah, I see -- so what is the usual routine for dust baths then? Do you take the bath out to them in the morning, if it's a dry day? And leave it inside at night or on wet days? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheik Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 I don't think the grade of sand is crucial. I use builders sand mixed with compost. Didn't think to put stalosan in too though, so will add that next. I wouldn't worry too much about the quantities, as chickens will dust bath in any old earth, (even if it is more like mud, which is slightly vexing when you have a white silkie) I'd try and get quite a deep container if possible, unless you don't mind the dirt getting kicked all over the run. I use a plastic storage box that is about 14" high, so they need to jump up onto the edge to get into it. /\dam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 I use a cat litter tray with a 'lip' which keeps most of the ash in. It is in the corner of their outdoor run with a very Heath Robinson wooden cover on legs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 For me recipe is: - dry garden earth (best stuff is in hubbies greenhouse ....sshhh) - Diatom (if I have it). I keep the dustbath under the Winter Shade in the run. In Winter when I had to really scratch around for dry mud, I topped it up with Auboise. This is their dustbath which they jumped in before I got chance to put it back in the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLK69 Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 just have to reply to this one - as a fairly new chkk mum - there was no expense or product un bought. including a dustbath! today I was watching them digging a whole in the garden (loose use of the word) and I added some of the kids sand pit - perfect bath. dry earth and second hand sand. S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 today I was watching them digging a whole in the garden (loose use of the word) and I added some of the kids sand pit - perfect bath. dry earth and second hand sand. Mine have 2 crater sized sites in the garden too that they used during the day when free ranging. But sometimes they prefer to hop in the one I put in their run and I can't tell you why that is....... funny little things. I have even had them fly up into it as I carry it into their enclosure, they love it that much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ange1 Posted May 21, 2008 Author Share Posted May 21, 2008 Love the photo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
