dust bath

[MaureenHall]

Some do. However, they use a mask when adding it. Don't breathe it in.

doesn't it affect the chooks lungs too then?

[hawthorns]

what other alternatives do people use

[Flummery]

doesn't it affect the chooks lungs too then?

Not sure Maureen. Lots of people swear by it - but it works on the lice and mites by drying up their bodies so I assume it's not a good thing to breathe in or ingest in any way. I have read on a poultry keeping forum that it has affected one chap's breathing very badly. Worries me a bit, that.

[Flummery]

what other alternatives do people use

Some people reckon that ash from the fire is very good added to a dust bath. We don't have an open fire thoug.h

[MaureenHall]

Plain and simple soil in the garden. The chickens dig their own hole and chuck the soil all over themselves, it's really funny to watch them Then they get out, give themselves a good shake from head to foot and wander off to see if there's any food around before doing it all over again!