chestnutmare Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 (edited) Can I put a little bit of soil in their sand dustbath? Will it harm them? My soil has 'bits' in it (to retain water, I think, and fertiliser) because it's for baskets and pots. Will this encourage them to dustbath? I can cope with Snowy not looking like Snowy if it just gets them to realise they can dustbath in that litter tray rather than just walk around it! Edited October 23, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Soil is what they would dustbathe in if you didn't give them a dustbath so I'd imagine it would be absolutely fine . I don't think they'll give two hoots (or should that be clucks!) what's actually in the soil . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chestnutmare Posted October 23, 2011 Author Share Posted October 23, 2011 I just don't want to harm them with fertiliser or water retaining balls of stuff. Okay I'll chuck it in today then. Why won't they dustbath in the litter tray but they will when I put down fresh woodchip in the run?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 I suppose you should maybe watch to see if they show any interest in eating the balls? I don't know what they're made of! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 My girls all have soil from my hanging baskets etc., They love it. I sprinkle red mite powder and santitizing powder on top.I think they also like the bugs that might be left in the soil. Sometimes they don't even bathe in it they just all squeeze in there and sit. As for getting dirty they do , I never think they are going to get clean but they shake it off .They rummage in wood chips on the floor of their WIR run ..The craters look like they are on the moon ...But they are happy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chestnutmare Posted October 23, 2011 Author Share Posted October 23, 2011 Dustbath chickens, dustbath!! I put the soil in the litter tray earlier and the're not bothered. They've looked at it with it interest, pecked it a bit and left it. jackian your chickens are obviously more grateful than mine. Hm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 It'll be fine Give them time to realise the new excitement It is frustrating though... OH spent ages making a new perch for WIR2 yesterday and the darlings have ignored it so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chestnutmare Posted October 23, 2011 Author Share Posted October 23, 2011 SC, they are very ungrateful, bad chickens! Hopefully they'll suss it out soon. Talking of perches - I have one in the garage that just needs painting now. Finally, after trying different types of buckets and sand we have success! All it took was a bit of soil! Video Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Looks so satisfying, shame we can't roll around in the dirt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 Looks so satisfying, shame we can't roll around in the dirt. I've always thought I'd like to lie on a supermarket floor and scream like a wee one. Now I know I ought to be rolling in the soil like a chicken (Oops - door bell - man in white coat outside ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 Looks so satisfying, shame we can't roll around in the dirt. I've always thought I'd like to lie on a supermarket floor and scream like a wee one. Now I know I ought to be rolling in the soil like a chicken (Oops - door bell - man in white coat outside ) You mean you don't Just me then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
