[alisonwo]

My girls are free ranging but when the bad weather starts won't be able to use the garden for dustbaths.  As part of the coop is covered I would like to put a dustbath container under it for them.  Can anyone advise a suitable container and does it have to be soil in it, or could I use seed compost or sand perhaps.  Have a couple of rubber dustbin lids wonder if they would be big enough slightly sunk in the soil.  Any ideas gratefully received.  thanks alison

[Chookiechook]

Personally I would advise that the dust bath be raised above the ground, otherwise the hens will just scratch the surrounding dirt into it

I use a kiddy paddling pool with logroll round the edge and put playsand or chinchilla dust into it

I use chinchilla sand for my quails dustbath too and have a sieve from Wilkinsons to keep it fresh 

Your hens will love it

[alisonwo]

Hi Chookiechuck, thanks for advise never heard of chinchilla dust, but can get playsand at B&Q I know.  Will have a look around for paddling pool.

[Flowerpower136]

I scrounged an old tyre from a customer of mine who races cars.  Its got a wider inside diameter than a normal car tyre.  We've filled it with kiln dried sand.  Doesn't need any 'construction' or fixing, and it's really sturdy so they can't tip it up.  It's not been in very long, and they haven't used it for dust baths yet, but do like scratching round and sending the sand flying!

[joyfull]

did see on here that somebody used an old dog bed (the plastic type) which could accomodate several hens together 

[Flowerpower136]

did see on here that somebody used an old dog bed (the plastic type) which could accomodate several hens together 

That might have been me?  I did start off with the old dog bed, but the edge was so chewed, I was worried it might be sharp, and it was very narrow, not good for perching.  So switched to the tyre - it's much better.  Now a wagon tyre would be good.........don't you have lorries?

[joyfull]

lots of lorries and some old spare tyres (from enormous down to land rover size which are far more manageable - grew potatoes in some this year) but you live a long way from me otherwise you could have some old ones 

[alisonwo]

I tried a cat litter tray (cleaned of course) but it didn't work, cardboard box didn't last long either, blimey it will be a jacuzi next lol

[joyfull]

well if anybody in Lincolnshire area wants old lorry tyres to use just get in touch - free 

[francais]

On a smaller scale - would an old babies bath work?  You can get these from boot sales for about £1 / £1.50  (I brought one not long ago for washing our jack russel in)

[kitkat]

I'm sure a babies bath will be fine as long as its heavy and not too high, i had to put steps for my 'thick' chicken
    Car tyres were great for my banties, lorry tryes would be even better