Difference between revisions of "Make a Dust Bath for Chickens"
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<br><br>Chickens don't wash with water the way we do. They use soil to clean their plumage instead and it is vital to their health as it is the method by which they remove lice etc.<ref>The Poultry Guide, [http://www.ruleworks.co.uk/poultry/dust-bath.asp Dustbathing Chickens]</ref> Plus, they enjoy it and happy chickens produce good eggs! Outdoor chickens can usually find plenty of soil to fulfill this purpose but if you have to keep your chickens indoors for such reasons as cold weather or protection of predators, it is a great idea to include a dust bath for them. Here is a quick and easy method to make one. | <br><br>Chickens don't wash with water the way we do. They use soil to clean their plumage instead and it is vital to their health as it is the method by which they remove lice etc.<ref>The Poultry Guide, [http://www.ruleworks.co.uk/poultry/dust-bath.asp Dustbathing Chickens]</ref> Plus, they enjoy it and happy chickens produce good eggs! Outdoor chickens can usually find plenty of soil to fulfill this purpose but if you have to keep your chickens indoors for such reasons as cold weather or protection of predators, it is a great idea to include a dust bath for them. Here is a quick and easy method to make one. | ||
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==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
#Find a box made from wood or plastic. Avoid using cardboard because it will not last long around chickens and after it falls to pieces, they'll finish the job off by eating it. Good dimensions for the dust bath box are: | #Find a box made from wood or plastic. Avoid using cardboard because it will not last long around chickens and after it falls to pieces, they'll finish the job off by eating it. Good dimensions for the dust bath box are: | ||
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#Check it regularly to clean out bird feces, particles, etc. and to top up the soil as needed. Other than that, stand back and let them enjoy it! | #Check it regularly to clean out bird feces, particles, etc. and to top up the soil as needed. Other than that, stand back and let them enjoy it! | ||
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| − | + | This video demonstrates a silky bantam having a dust bath outside. It gives you a good idea how the chicken moves around in the dust bath, how it creates an indent to sit in and how long it takes. This should help guide your decision about size and space for the dust bath that you are replicating for indoors. | |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
