How to Make Poultry Bird Baths

Chickens will build their own dusting bowl in the right conditions.

Different types of poultry enjoy different types of bathing. Chickens don't generally prefer to bathe in water but they do like a good dusting. Dust baths dislodge parasites like mites and absorb the excess oil in the chicken's feathers. Other poultry, like ducks and geese must have a water bath daily for proper grooming even in winter in order to maintain the insulating quality of their feathers.

Things You'll Need

• Large cat litter box
• Fireplace ashes
• Road dust
• Sand
• Fiberglass or plastic pond, or kiddie pool
• Old wheelbarrow body
• Diatomaceous earth
• Large stone or ramp
• Concrete pavers or slabs

Instructions

Chicken, Bantam or Capon Dust Bath

1. Allow the chickens to dig their own dust bath if possible. Locate the chicken run in an area where there is fine, dry soil.

2. Provide a cat box in a sheltered area with 6 inches of dusting powder in locations with stony or damp soil.

3. Purchase dusting powder at feed or pet stores or make your own. Combine equal parts of fireplace ashes, road dust, sand and diatomaceous earth.

4. Replenish the dusting powder when it gets low. It's not necessary to change the dusting powder on a schedule.

Duck or Goose Bath

1. Set up a hard-sided garden pond or kiddie pool in the yard.

2. Add a ramp or large stone to help the ducks or geese get out of the water. They will slip on the sides of the pool without the assistance.

3. You can also use an old wheelbarrow body for a pond. It will be easier to dump the water to clean it and the sloped end allows the ducks to easily leave the water.

4. Surround the pool with concrete slabs to prevent mud puddles.

5. Dump the water any time it looks fouled. This will vary depending on the breed of waterfowl and number of birds kept.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of using an old wheelbarrow body, use a functioning wheelbarrow and build a ramp for the ducks to climb in. This way you can wheel it out and dump the dirty water.

• If you have the space, dig your waterfowl a small pond with gently sloping sides and decorate with half-submerged logs.

• Monitor young goslings and ducklings using the pool or pond to ensure they can safely get out.

References

• My Pet Chicken: Guide to Chicken Care
• Waterfoul: Starting to Keep Domestic Ducks