Setting up your Chicken’s Dust Bath

A few weeks ago, I learned about a chicken’s dust bath. When I first witnessed them “bathing”, I thought it was some type of seizure.

Chickens will find dirt, roll around in it, kicking it up with their feet, flipping it up on their backs, and getting it in their wings.

It helps keep them healthy by smothering any unwanted pests, like mites and lice and also helps maintain their feathers by removing excess oil.

Don’t be alarmed, like I was when you see it, it’s normal chicken behavior.

I did some research. Dust bathing is like a spa treatment for chickens.

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What do you need for the Chicken’s Dust Bath?

• Topsoil
• Food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
• Wood Ash
• Herbs: lavender, mint, or oregano

Some folks use a kiddie pool or an old tire for their chicken’s dust bath. Other’s will build a fancy enclosure. Our coop is elevated so I have the kiddie pool underneath.

Depending on what part of the country you are in and your ground conditions, a kiddie pool or another type of tub may be necessary.

Empty a 40lb bag of topsoil in the bathing area. You want it to be 4-6″ deep. I use plain topsoil and not potting soil since I haven’t researched the additives in potting soil (What is the white material in potting soil anyway?!). You can also use plain ole dirt from your yard.

Then, I sprinkle some DE on top and a scoop of wood ash from the fireplace. Some people use a 2:1 ratio. I just sprinkle on top of the dirt. I question my husband about the use of lighter fluid or fire starters.

Before I can mix things up, the chickens are at work scratching around. Soon, they are happy and covered in dirt.

What are the benefits of different additives?

Firewood Ash

Wood ash contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, Vit K, and a few other minerals.

It smothers the parasites like DE and when ingested provides these extra benefits. It also helps neutralize odors.

You want wood that has not been treated and where Firestarter products have not been used. This could be toxic so make sure you haven’t used these in your fireplace or firepit.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) 

DE is a natural remedy made from fossilized plankton (diatoms). Make sure to purchase food grade and not the type used in pools. Your chickens will taste or eat some while bathing. The food-grade label means it can be ingested, even by humans. DE is a fine chalky powder that is also a natural deodorizer, great for neutralizing odors. It works by cutting the exoskeleton of the parasites causing them to dry out and die.

Herbs

Lavender – we grow lavender so I have this handy. It’s believed to be an anti-inflammatory and helps people with anxiety and insomnia.

When in the dust bath, chickens peck at the ground and will ingest some. It’s also a natural pesticide. Here’s a great article I found on the benefits of lavender: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922.php

Mint – Easy to grow. Mint deters rodents. I occasionally put this in the dust bath but use it more in the summer in the chicken’s water. Mint helps to lower body temperature, so I add it in there.

Oregano – Is believed to have natural antibiotic properties. It’s loaded with vitamins like E, K, and calcium and repels insects.

Sage – I don’t grow this or normally use it except when I make my Granny’s dressing at Thanksgiving. So, this will be a winter additive. Whatever I don’t use in the dressing, will go in the dust bath.

In addition to the coop area, the chicks have made another dirt bath in the yard. Like I said earlier, when chickens find a spot with loose soil in a sunny area, it’s bath time. So, I add my ingredients to this one also.

Once every week or so, I freshen it up. I break up the ground to loosen the soil and clean out any poop. Then whenever necessary, I add more topsoil.

I love watching the chickens dust bathe. Once one starts, the others join in.

There is definitely a lesson to be learned from this:

Take some time for yourself each day.

Take a bath and Relax.

Hang out with friends.