Posted on Nov 27, 2023 at 12:00 pm by James A
You are wondering if you should add ash to your chicken coop? The answer is yes!
Ash, resulting from the combustion of wood, is indeed a natural, economical, and ecological solution to improve the well-being of your poultry in winter.
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The benefits of using ash in a chicken coop
It has many advantages:
- Natural parasite control: Ash acts as an effective repellent against external parasites such as red mites, mites, and other pests that can infest the chickens’ feathers and cause diseases.
- Improvement of coop hygiene: By absorbing moisture, ash helps to sanitize the chicken coop environment and thus reduces the development of bacteria and fungi responsible for infections.
- Savings and ecology: Ash is a free product, easy to obtain (if you have a fireplace or wood stove), and environmentally friendly. It also avoids the use of harmful chemicals for the health of animals and the ecosystem.
How to properly use ash in a chicken coop?
To fully enjoy the benefits of ash in your chicken coop, here are some practical tips:
- Recovery and storage: Collect the cold ash from your fireplace or wood stove and keep it dry in a closed bucket. Avoid ashes from the combustion of coal, briquettes, or other materials that may contain harmful substances for the chickens.
- Application: Spread a layer of ash (about 1 cm thick) at the bottom of the chicken coop, making sure it covers the entire surface. Renew this operation regularly, according to the needs and condition of the coop.
- Ash bath: Create a dedicated ash bath area in the chicken coop so that your chickens can roll in it and naturally get rid of parasites. Mix the ash with sand to obtain a pleasant and effective texture.
Precautions to take with ash
While ash has undeniable advantages for the comfort and health of your chickens, certain precautions should be taken when using it:
- Filtration: Before using ash in your chicken coop, sift it to remove pieces of wood and other debris that could injure the chickens’ feet.
- Quality of ash: Make sure to use only ash from the combustion of untreated wood and avoid ashes containing chemical or polluting residues.
- Moderate use: Do not overuse ash, as excessive use can lead to dust accumulation and harm the air quality in the chicken coop. Therefore, make sure not to overload the ground and maintain a good balance between the different elements present in the chickens’ environment.
By adopting these good practices, you can take advantage of the benefits offered by ash while taking care of your chickens during winter. A natural and free remedy for the well-being of your poultry!
