phenna_family Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 Hi, what can you put in a tub trug to make a dust bath for my chickens. I've been trying to find something on here but failed I'm afraid. Many thanks Claire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 2 hours ago, phenna_family said: Hi, what can you put in a tub trug to make a dust bath for my chickens. I've been trying to find something on here but failed I'm afraid. Many thanks Claire Mine have both play sand and plain but very fine dirt. Both should be kept as dry as possible though to be used as dust bath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phenna_family Posted January 4, 2020 Author Share Posted January 4, 2020 Thank you, I will put some of that in there tomorrow. Claire 🐔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 Dry potting compost or wood ash - the latter is very popular with my flock. I would use something heavier than the tub trug as it will just topple over when they perch on the edge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey_lady Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 Small bark chips that break down quickly on top of soil for mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 When you're putting stuff in, think of the purpose - apart from the social aspect, they need a dry powdery substance which will remove the stale preen oil from their feathers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 2 hours ago, The Dogmother said: Dry potting compost or wood ash - the latter is very popular with my flock. I would use something heavier than the tub trug as it will just topple over when they perch on the edge. Dry potting compost is a good one too. You could partially dig in the tub trug, to prevent toppling. 1 hour ago, grey_lady said: Small bark chips that break down quickly on top of soil for mine I wouldn’t add any bark chips, as like DM says, they need a dusty consistency to get the stuff between all feathers. If chickens have nothing else, they will make do, but probably not ideal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted January 5, 2020 Share Posted January 5, 2020 Mine have a variable (depending on what’s around when it needs topping up) mix of dry soil, old compost, sand and wood ash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 5, 2020 Share Posted January 5, 2020 I have some old, heavy, enamelled baths/basins in the runs for dustbaths, but they still use the Belfast sink planters in the garden! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phenna_family Posted January 5, 2020 Author Share Posted January 5, 2020 Thank you for all your help, I have put some dry soil in and mixed it with some old compost - they are loving it, my specklady Giselle was first in there as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
