What is a dust bath, and do my chickens need one?
Back to blogWhy Do Chickens Take Dust Baths?
If you’ve ever seen your chickens flopping around in the dirt looking half-dead, don’t panic—they’re just having a spa day!
Dust baths are an important (and totally natural) part of a chicken’s self-care routine. When your birds roll and toss dirt into their feathers, they’re doing more than just having fun—they’re helping to protect themselves from pesky parasites like mites and lice.
Should I Make a Dust Bath for My Chickens?
If your chickens live in a small, covered run or don’t have easy access to dry dirt, providing a dust bath is a great idea. It's also a smart move if you'd like to keep your yard looking tidy (and protect your tulips from chicken excavation).
Here are a few easy dust bath options:
- A child’s sandbox – stable and low to the ground.
- A plastic storage bin – just know these can tip if your girls perch on the edges.
- DIY wooden box – similar to a raised garden bed, and great for customizing.
Wherever you place your dust bath, try to keep it sheltered from rain. Chickens love dust, not mud!
Can’t They Just Make Their Own Dust Bath?
In many cases, yes! If your flock has access to bare ground, they’ll usually create their own cozy dust bath spot—often under a bush, in a corner, or right in the middle of your favorite flower bed. Chickens don’t ask permission, and they will redecorate your landscaping to suit their needs!
Do Chickens Need a Dust Bath?
Technically, they can live without one—but they won’t be as happy or healthy. Chickens without proper dust baths are more prone to parasites and may try to “bathe” in their bedding, which just isn’t as effective.
A dust bath supports their physical health and gives them a way to express their natural behaviors. A happy chicken is a clean chicken!
DIY Dust Bath Recipe
Want to mix up your own chicken spa treatment? Try this blend:
- 10 parts play sand
- 1 part wood ash
- 1 part food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) or First Saturday Lime
Optional: Add a sprinkle of dried lavender. It may help repel insects—and it definitely makes things feel a little more luxurious!
No need to measure perfectly—just aim for a dry, dusty mix that doesn’t kick up a cloud. In dry climates, you may need to reduce the ash and DE a bit; in humid areas, you might need more sand to keep things fluffy.
