[caroline or]

Hello .
I am new to the site but I have been reading the posts for a while and find answers to all of questions I have had in the past.
I am just wondering if compost is ok to put in the run for my girls to use as a sand bath?
I have read that some contain chemicals that may harm them if they eat it.
Thanks

[themagicaltoad1]

Hello and welcome, there's a lot of us newbie's on here, (I've only had my chooks for 4 wks). I put a cat litter tray down in the run with ordinary sand in it, they love it, even though they spend a lot of time eating it!

[lucylou]

hi there - im new too!   i sometimes give my banti hens a few shovel fulls of well rotted down home made compost - they absolutely love to pick and scratch out all the bugs and then when it has dried out they do make dust baths in it.  I agree with you about the chemicals in shop bought compost though- someone with more knowledge will have to answer you on that one!     good luck with your hen keeping!

[parson]

Our 4 have a cat litter tray with play sand in it, which they ignore in favour of the dip in the ground they dug them selves to dust therselves in the dry dirt!!

[SMD66]

our free rangers have chosen to dust bathe in ash, we had a bonfire on the ground and they love it, (now it's gone cold that is)  The grey blue bells are well camouflaged when they get in it!  sieved garden soil might be an idea rather than compost.  Use a garden sieve, not one for flour or you might be at it hours 

[RoyMK]

My lot have a large wooden planter full of sand which they like to perch on but don't seem to  bathe in. 

Perhaps I should try  dirt?

[SMD66]

ours love dirt, nice and fine tho

[Debz]

Mine have had a several litter trays with compost out of a bag.  If I am honest I didn't even think about chemicals and my girls have been fine.  They make me laugh when they are throwing all the compost about and almost turn themselves upside down to get it all over.

[Aunt Sally]

A deep tub is better than a cat litter tray.  Chooks love a nice deep bath (don't let them light candles though  )

[Bruced]

what sort of size for a dirt bath? ours have dug out a nice little pit under a bush but want to give them something for undercover when that gets muddy! any ideas of the ideal; receptacle? i was thinking of part-burying an old sink - how would that be?

[Aunt Sally]

That sounds perfect

[RoyMK]

After saying that they don't use the sand box yesterday I have just been to see them and my Amber is up to her neck in the sand.

Im sure they are out to get me!

[Sassy]

Of course they are - it's compulsory