darkwoodali Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Mmm, put a tray in the run last week with a bit of play sand in for the chooks to use as a dustbath and so far they've completely ignored it. They do get to free range but I'm not convinced they're bathing anywhere else as Egg (the white one) seems as mucky as ever. Guess they'll sort themselves out in their own time, right? Actually, I tell a lie, just watching them now and Peppa seems to be pecking at the sand...not quite the point... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneyolktoanother Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 As soon as they show an interest they will soon be in there , some of ours are scared of anything new but once they get used to it you can't get them out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I've got an old childrens sand pit, so will put some sand in there. I guess not too much ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Try mixing it 50/50 with compost. Mine like wood ash from the woodburner at this time of year, you could use that or just add some to the sand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Just ordinary multi-purpose garden compost ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Yes the stuff in bags from supermarket or garden centre. I find home made compost is too wet,rich and crumbly. You need something slightly moist to just dilute the sand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkwoodali Posted March 7, 2011 Author Share Posted March 7, 2011 Try mixing it 50/50 with compost.Mine like wood ash from the woodburner at this time of year, you could use that or just add some to the sand. Ah hah! Maybe that's what I'm doing wrong them. Just watching them eat the sand as I type. Will stick some compost in and see how they get on. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 I too haven't had much success with my dust bath. I've tried play sand - no luck, chinchilla sand - no, wood ash - no, azalea type compost - no. Perhaps I need to mix compost to the wood ash or perhaps my chooks are just too happy mucking about in the back of my shrub borders where they have a whole set of craters. I was rather hoping they'd prefer a dust bath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 I've tried all sorts as well in cat litter trays and paddling pools but it seems my rockery and empty plant pots are infinitely better, shame as then they can't bath in their run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFeatheredFiend Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 The very first time we let the Ladies out to free range a few days ago, they made a bee-line for the remains of last autumn's garden bonfire and went nuts. It's seems that wood ash really hits the spot! Here's some pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Chicken heaven!!! Nothing funnier then dust bathing hens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 I bought a bag of compost for the chicken spa (the ground was frozen) and then spent a good 20mins picking out all those little slow-release nutrient balls that they throw in the soil. On my knees in the freezing cold hand picking the dirt for them - I must be mad! I also throw some ash in from the fire place - they love it. But it makes me so happy to see them when they are doing this... VIDEO LINK - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jewilk71/5507436659/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 Wonderful What pretty hens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruciebumpkin Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 Ours have a large, heavy flower pot 3/4 filled with a compost and sand mix. It goes in their run and they absolutely love it. The height of the flowerpot gives them something fun to jump up onto and walk around while they flap their wings!! Will try and post some pics later! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkwoodali Posted March 24, 2011 Author Share Posted March 24, 2011 Haven't given up with the dustbath in the run but did catch them shuffling around in the soil under the tree - very funny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
