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.

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.

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?

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..

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.

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.

Diatomaceous earth here

This stuff? link

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

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.

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.