fujcube Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Hi all, Have yet to establish a sand bath, in readiness for our new arrivals. Have decided to build it between the chicken coup and the rabbit hutch as the area isn't much good for anything else. The area is approximately 1m by 1m and will be approximately 4 inches deep, once I have put the timber surround on. What is the most suitable material for filling it with? The area isn't covered so would be open to the elements. I was thinking about some type of sand? Regards fujcube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenfreek Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 (edited) I've just got an old Planter thing and filled it up with play sand. I only got my ladies yesterday tho and i've never had chickens before so I could be totally wrong my doing that, but they seem to love it. Good Luck Edited October 5, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Bet she is looking for insects in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Be prepared for them to totally ignore it..they are contrary marys when they want to be....mine have alternated between using dustbaths for the purpose they are intended....pooing in it....ignoring it totally....and eating it! They usually find a spot you were not intending as a DB & digging their own...often in the middle of a once favourite plant (RIP my arum lily )...or in the middle of the lawn, known as "anklebreakers" in our house Have fun with your girlies when you get them.....I can't imagine life without them now Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 I use dry earth from under a bush in my garden they love it plus theres lots of insects in it. xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dippy bird Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 I agree with wild mum, mine too have made a lovely hole in my lawn and trashed my plants to make way for their dust bath, having said that, I do love watching them roll around in it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 so do I, that's why my sis...who gave it to me ... got told the frost & snow had got the lily ....well not strictly a lie, it did look very sick when the snow cleared...the chooks just finished it off Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrensWorld Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 We've tried the play sand route, but they just ignor it. You'll find them under the hedge digging just like this.............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dippy bird Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Wild mum - my cat rio has just tried to catch your butterfly!! Seriously funny watching her try to grab it off the screen - although hubby not too chuffed as it's a very expensive lap top!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Wild mum - my cat rio has just tried to catch your butterfly!! Seriously funny watching her try to grab it off the screen - although hubby not too chuffed as it's a very expensive lap top!! My daughter aged 9 set up the avatar, I keep wondering who this person is...then realise it's me I hope Rio didn't get into too much trouble Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
