Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone!

I have a 4x4 dust bath area in my coop filled with dirt, and I occasionally add wood ash and DE. However, the dust is getting out of hand. It's so dry that when I clean it, the dust fills the air, and I even feel it in my hair and lungs. My two oldest hens seem to be showing some respiratory strain too. How can I reduce the dust while still keeping the dust bath effective for my chickens?

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

I,ve been experimenting with adding some wood chips along with the dirt, which helps reduce the dust buildup. The wood chips also make it easier for the chickens to bathe and keep the dust from getting too airborne.

It sounds like your dust bath is too dry. I would recommend adding some sand to the dirt mixtureit,ll help balance the texture and control the dust. Also, adding a little coconut fiber or some mulch can make it softer and less dusty.

For a less dusty bath, I mix equal parts dirt, sand, and straw. The straw helps control dust and prevents it from getting too powdery. I also use a small tarp to cover it during windy days, so it doesn,t dry out too much and create excess dust.

You might want to try making the dust bath slightly moister, but only a little. Sometimes a bit of water on the dry dirt can help with dust control without making it too wet. Try adjusting the mix and keep it covered when not in use to avoid over-drying.

It might help to keep the dust bath moist from time to time, but just a little. The dryness can create excessive dust. Try using a small spray bottle with water and lightly mist it every couple of days. You could also mix in sand and a bit of straw to help.

If you're still using diatomaceous earth (DE), consider cutting back on it. It,s very fine and can be harsh for both you and the chickens. Instead, mix in some sand or even a bit of peat moss to create a coarser texture that won,t cause as much dust when your chickens bathe.

If your chickens are showing signs of respiratory stress, it might be worth reducing the amount of DE and ash you,re using. I find that adding more sand or peat moss works well for dust baths and helps reduce the dust. Also, moisture control is key!

Have you thought about adding some peat moss instead of using only dirt? It,s still natural and will absorb moisture without creating so much dust. You might also want to limit how much DE is in there because it can get very powdery.

I would recommend cutting back on the DE or wood ash, as they can be too dusty. Instead, try adding a bit of peat moss or even some dried herbs like lavender to make it more comfortable. You can also mix a little bit of sand to help with dust control.