Why Do Chickens Dust Bathe?
Chickens learn at an early age that when their feathers start feeling a bit dirty, it’s time for a bath. They usually dig a shallow little hole and will burrow down into the loose matter (dirt, dust, sand, or whatever they can find) and start happily flipping that said material all over themselves. They continue this action until the dirt has settled down in to their skin and has covered their feathers. They do this to keep little bugs and parasites away. Once they think they’re “clean” enough, they stand up and shake off like a dog shaking off water after a dip. They will usually do a little preening (using their beaks to clean off any excess) and move onto their cute little routines for the day.
Chicken baths are sometimes a social event where multiple chickens will roll around in the dirt together. Chickens are very social birds and don’t like to miss out on anything exciting in the coop or yard.
Roxanne taking a dust bath
How to Build a Dust Bath?
Honestly, I could build the coolest dust bath in the world and some of my girls will still roll around in a patch of dirt or even their bedding. Chickens are curious little creatures and have minds of their own. However, with that said, I still like to provide them with all they may need to stay healthy and happy.
My daughter and I worked together to create this little dust bath and the girls are going wild over it. We used a baby pool, some black dirt, sand, wood ash, and Coop Recuperate.
We had everything on hand at home besides the baby pool, so we purchased that at our local farm supply store. When using wood ash, make sure it’s simply wood ash and not ash that has had chemicals in it such as lighter fluid in it. Gather your materials and simply mix together. I used Coop Recuperate because it already has organic diatomaceous earth (DE) in it! I know there are differing opinions about DE, but in the correct ratio, it’s completely safe for your flock.
Strong Animals Chicken Essentials has carefully formulated all of their products to ensure the safety of your backyard poultry. Coop Recuperate also includes organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oils to keep everything smelling fresh. To maintain your dust bath, clean out droppings regularly and replenish the “dust” materials every few weeks or as needed.
Just about every time I head out to the coop, there’s at least one chicken in the dust bath. They have taken full advantage of their new “powder room” and it makes me so happy!
Dust baths are super important for the health of your chicken. Lice and mites and other bugs can quickly make a chicken really sick. By taking regular dust baths, your girls’ will natural combat these little pests!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady