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dust bath for chickens #841843

Asked July 21, 2023, 10:51 AM EDT

Do chickens benefit from using a dust bath? Is dirt alone sufficient for a dust bath or should I add sand? Thank you.

Tompkins County New York

Expert Response

Chickens definitely benefit from a dust bath. It helps with controlling external parasites. They also enjoy dustbathing so it is a welfare issue as well. Sand is the best material for a dust bath since it is more abrasive than dirt.

Dr. Jacquie Jacob Replied July 23, 2023, 12:02 PM EDT

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This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

dust bath for chickens #841843

Expert Response

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