What do you put in the dust bath?

[Iseechickens]

I have an old sandpit and want to use as a dust bath for the hens.

What shall I put in it?

I've got sand and compost but not sure what to put in.

[BlueBrightBlue]

Fine wood ash added to dry garden soil, and leftover sand, just make sure it's all dry. Put it in a litter tray or similar.

[Iseechickens]

Thank you for your reply. Where would I get fine wood ash from? There is hardly any garden soil here so is there a substitute I could buy?

[BlueBrightBlue]

Only use wood ash from your fire/bonfire if you have some to hand, any dry sand would be ok, kiln dried is good ( the sort you brush in between slabs. Any old soil, just pinch some. Compost fine too, even the sweepings from your patio..

[Iseechickens]

Oh brilliant, thanks again for your reply.

I think I'm overthinking all this and trying to get it all perfect for their arrival tomorrow.

[polkadotdelight]

Soil, play sand and diatom earth (helpful to preve mites) but my girls used to poo in it so I gave up! They make their own in the garden now and I will give them a new one in winter when the ground is too wet.

[Moongardener]

Diatomaceous earth here

[Iseechickens]

This stuff? link

[Iseechickens]

Can I buy it in a farmers shop? Or best get from amazon?

[BlueBrightBlue]

Just get a bag of Kiln dried, about £4 from any independent builders merchants or about twice that from B & Q, Homebase. Just any dry dirt will do.

[polkadotdelight]

Thats the stuff, I bought mine on Amazon but search around for the best price. You don't need much, I also use it in the nest box but do wear gloves and avoid breathing it in.