My Umbrella Dusting Station For Chickens + DIY Tips - Pardon My Dust (2024)

FAQs

What is the best mix for chicken dust bath? ›

You can use any proportions that you like but a good rule of thumb is to use 40% sand, 20% soil, 20% wood shavings , 10% wood ash and charcoal, 5% dry herbs and 5% Bugs Away . Place the dust bath in your chosen spot and let your chickens enjoy it.

Construction grade sand can also be called all-purpose sand, contractor's sand, or multipurpose sand. Basically, you want coarse sand that is not super fine since fine sand can lead to impacted crop when ingested. Do not use play sand in the chicken coop or in the dust bath since it is often treated with chemicals.

Next, sprinkle diatomaceous earth over the soil. This will help to get rid of any mites or lice on your chickens and prevent them. The amount of diatomaceous earth you will need to use will depend on the size of your container, but we suggest using a 2:1 ratio of dirt to DE powder.

Once you have gathered your supplies, the next step is selecting a container for your indoor dust bath. A kiddie pool or galvanized tub can be used if you have one available; otherwise, any large wooden crate or plastic bin should work just fine.

1) Enough bags of compost/potting soil or playground sand (NO Vermiculite or Perlite in the mix (example shown below)) to fill your tub, fire ring, bucket or bin half-way. Dirt and/or shavings will do just fine too. 2) Buy a metal (or plastic/pvc) pole to hold your umbrella pole stationary and upright.

It's perfect for what they need for dust ... I actually use this sand for my chicken coop and run. It's perfect for what they need for dust bathing and grit. Not the normal purpose but I would recommend.

It won't be an immediate fix; it would need repeated treatments for at least a few days. I would also provide the hens with a dust bath containing DE for them to treat themselves (more on dust baths containing diatomaceous earth coming up).

The perfect dust bath recipe:

Place a box, cat litter box with a lid or child's sandpit on the floor of the run. You want to put it somewhere it will stay dry. Fill your box with about 1 part wood ash (you can also use fireplace ash), 1 part multipurpose compost and 1 part diatomaceous earth.

To keep the dust to a manageable level, I keep a duster inside the chicken coop. Whenever I have a moment to spare, I give the walls, nest box curtains, window dressings and feedbag artwork a quick dusting, which makes the semi-annual cleaning a much less tedious undertaking.

How big should a dust bath be for chickens? ›

So … why not build a dust bath for chickens in your coop? In order to get started, you'll need a container that is at least 12″ deep, 15″ wide and 24″ long.

There are many types of herbs that are beneficial for chickens such as lavender, sage, oregano, mint, parsley, rosemary, and more! Dried herbs not only help to keep insects away, but they may also leave your chickens with a pleasant smell and a tasty treat as they nibble while they are bathing.

Is there any lawn fertilizer that is safe for chickens to roam? You can spread a layer of organic compost over your lawn each spring. As it breaks down it will provide nutrients to the roots of your turf. Or, you can use a water soluable fertilizer such as Miracle Gro.

Dust Bath Enhancement: Chickens love to take dust baths as a natural way to keep their feathers clean and free from parasites. Adding lime to their dust bath areas can enhance this activity's effectiveness.

If your birds seem reluctant to take a dust bath, however, you can encourage them to use the bath by gently sprinkling some of the dirt over their feathers and shaking it down to their skin if the birds are comfortable being handled.

There are many types of herbs that are beneficial for chickens such as lavender, sage, oregano, mint, parsley, rosemary, and more! Dried herbs not only help to keep insects away, but they may also leave your chickens with a pleasant smell and a tasty treat as they nibble while they are bathing.

You can also situate your dust bath under an overhang of a building or in another protected area, but it's best if the bathing area does get sun for at least part of the day. Chickens actually prefer to bathe in the sun.

So keep it simple and safeguard their immune systems, delicate mucous membranes, and sensitive respiratory systems- sand, peat moss, or plain ol' dirt are all you need for a satisfying, effective dust bath! Learn much more about the many hazards to chickens of food grade diatomaceous earth here.