1 . A dust box, also known as a dust bath or dirt bath, is an important part of backyard chicken keeping. It’s an area where chickens can engage in (从事) natural behaviors like dust bathing, which helps keep them healthy and clean.

Why do chickens need a dust box?

Chickens love to dust bathe.     1    . This behavior helps them maintain healthy skin and feathers, as the dust absorbs excess oils and moisture that can lead to skin irritations and infections. It also helps control external parasites(寄生虫)like mites and lice, which can be harmful to the birds.

A good dust box should be filled with a mixture of dry soil, sand, and wood ash.     3    , the sand helps absorb moisture, and the wood ash helps repel parasites. Some chicken keepers also add herbs (药草) like lavender to the mix, which can have calming and insect-repelling properties.

How do I encourage chickens to use a dust box?

Chickens will naturally attracted to a dust box if it’s easily accessible and filled with the right materials. Try placing the box in a shaded area with a roof to keep it dry and keep it clean and well-maintained.     4    .

How do I make my own dust box?

◎ Choose a shaded area with a roof.

◎ Build or choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep.

◎ Mix dry soil, sand, and wood ash together in a ratio (比率) of 2:1:1.     5    .

◎ Pour the mixture into the container until it is at least 6 inches deep.