How to make a DIY dust bath for your chickens

A chicken covered in dirt is a happy chicken!

Your chicken is going to dust bathe regardless.

Creating your own dust bath ensures that your chickens are bathing in beneficial dirt rather than dirt that contains loads of bacteria that will harm your chickens.

Take a peck below on how to create your own DIY dust bath!

We recommend using a large plastic container to create your dust bath.

That way, you can add in additional supplements that further prevent parasites such as lice and mites.

You can also use an old tire, sandbox, or any shallow bin.

4 things you’ll need to make a dust bath for your chickens.

#1: Dirt or sand:

This serves as the base of your dust bath!

You can purchase sand or use the dirt straight from your yard.

#2: Diatomaceous earth:

Gets rid of ticks, mites, and lice.

#3: Wood Ash:

Serves as a great source of Vitamin K, magnesium, and calcium for your poultry.

Be sure to use wood ash that was not burned by lighter fluid as the chemicals can be harmful to your chickens.

#4: Dried Lavender:

Another amazing, all-natural pest repellent that will keep all the unwanted insects out of your dust bath.

Q: “What ratio should you follow when combining the ingredients?“

We recommend 2 parts sand, 1 part wood ash, 1/2 part diatomaceous earth, and 1/2 part dried Lavender. 

Q: “How often should you change out your dust bath?” 

We recommend changing out the dust bath ingredients every month or so.

Take a look at our automatic chicken feeders, or check out our blog for more helpful articles about raising chickens.