Dusty bathing pleasure
Why do chickens bathe in sand
Chickens like to bathe often. However, they do not do this with water like other bird species, but with sand and dust. Ideally, they will find a sand bath that they will use. Otherwise they look for a piece of garden somewhere where there is hardly any grass growing and bathe in the earth. By rolling around in the dust, the vermin will be brushed out of their feathers and fall to the ground with the dust. They also get rid of coarser dirt in the feathers and dander in this way of scrubbing. The sand bath also serves as a cool-down on hot summer days.
How does a chicken bathe without sand
You will realize how resourceful chickens can be. But usually not to the liking of their owner. At best, your feathered friends will just dig a hole somewhere in the grass where they can bathe in the earth. In the worst case, they will bathe in your flower beds regardless of the consequences. Be it that they dig up flower bulbs and scatter them around the garden or that the expensive roses have to die… But that’s understandable, because who wants to be plagued by annoying vermin?
Provides the chickens with a sand bath
They will definitely thank you for it. If you have the space, you can also create several sand baths for them. Because chickens change their bathing place from time to time. The bugs they get rid of while bathing will stay there for a while and they would constantly become infected with them again. We also use new bathing water every now and then… As good as humans mean it, they will certainly look for their own place, preferably under trees where they are protected from air attacks.
Creating a sand bath for chickens
The sand bath does not have to be large. 50cm x 50cm is completely sufficient. If you keep smaller chickens or dwarf breeds, it can be even smaller. Dig a hole about 30 cm deep and fill it with playground sand. This is cleaned, unlike building sand. If you pour the sand onto the bare ground, the chickens will quickly spread it around so that it is no longer there. Do not fill the sand right up to the edge of the hole, otherwise a lot will be lost. Your feathered friends will like it best if they can bathe in a place protected by bushes or trees.
Keeping the sand bath / dust bath clean
Normally, chickens keep their bathing area clean. However, there are always a few fools who get rich anyway. You'll see for yourself when it's necessary to clean up the mess. Nobody wants to bathe in other people's mess. Litter box scoops are perfect for this. During the moulting season, you should also pick up the feather carpet and dispose of it.