[poultrygeist]

Quick question for anyone who might know.

We've bought a plastic underbed storage box (approx 30"x18"x4") to use as a dust bath.
Going to put it under the covered part of the run.

The question is, I'm going to use sharp sand, fairly gritty and kept outside, which we have a fair bit of left over. Is there any problem with using this as long as it's kept dry ?

...also saw on another thread about hanging up CD's but the string keeps getting pecked and broken. I've used very fine wire (it was wound round the roll of chicken wire) and it seems to be pretty much peck proof.

Thanks for any advice.

Rob

[Aunt Sally]

Sharp sand will be fine for a dust bath !  I use old potting compost.  I also add a good handful of Diatom and mix it in as it will help to keep the chooks "passenger" free  

[poultrygeist]

Thanks Aunty.

Put my mind at rest. There's always so many ways to do everything and I think it's best to ask first than regret it later !

Rob

[Aunt Sally]

Thanks Aunty.

Put my mind at rest. There's always so many ways to do everything and I think it's best to ask first than regret it later !

Rob

We all start off knowing very little on any subject.  It's a bit nasty to have a chook go sick because you've done the wrong thing.  Doesn't really matter if your seedlings die - you can just plant some more  

[Bodger]

Wood ash can be a good addition.

[poultrygeist]

Wood ash ?

Now that I can do. Have to leave the coal off the fire for an evening and save some. I know it's good on the garden too !

I just hope the roof I've put over the run keeps most of the rain off. Last thing they need is a box full of wet sand.

Nice suggestions. Thanks.

[Bodger]

The wood ash could also work as a nice marinade if you get tired of the chickens  

[Aunt Sally]

The wood ash could also work as a nice marinade if you get tired of the chickens  

 :shock: Behave Bodger  

[Bodger]

Sorry. :oops:  Couldn't resist.

[Aunt Sally]

Sorry. :oops:  Couldn't resist.

 :evil: You must learn to exercise a little more self control dear  

[poultrygeist]

Lol. Thanks for the suggestions Bodger and Aunty.

We'll stick with using it for the dustbath for now.

Luckily the ladies have gone to bed so they're not offended. We've got 6 of Grannie's Amberlinks. Waiting for an egg to appear any day now but I think they'er waiting for the jacuzzi to be installed and the flat screen TV before we get rewarded.

[Selkie]

We've got 6 of Grannie's Amberlinks.

Oh you lucky thing!

Do they have names yet?

[poultrygeist]

Not yet Rosemary. They're starting to show their little quircks.

I was in the run putting a roof up this afternoon and they were fascinated by my wellies. Must remind them of Grannie !

Their combs are only just developing. Do they normally wait until they get them properly before laying ?

Not that it matters. They're good company and the dog loves them, albeit through the wire.

[Aunt Sally]

Their combs are only just developing. Do they normally wait until they get them properly before laying ?

yup - nice and big and red before they lay  

[poultrygeist]

Thanks for that Aunty.

In which case, they may want a couple more weeks yet.

Annie did suggest it might be a couple of weeks for them to settle in so there's no rush. It gives us time to get a proper routine sorted.

Still trying to do everything without getting too soaked. Didn't occur to me when I was making the coop in the kitchen !

Thasnk again

Rob