Maybe talking about a "wellness center" inside the chicken coop is a bit excessive… but maybe not too much!The healing properties of sand baths for humans in Morocco have been known since ancient times and consist in exploiting the beneficial action of the heat given off by the micro-crystals of sand (psammotherapy);beneficial action against back pain, rheumatism and circulation problems.Even chinchillas, for example, have a strong instinct to roll around in sand or dust in order to release moisture from the fur to keep the fur soft and dry.Given these premises, we should therefore not be surprised if the hens in our chicken coop will show that they greatly appreciate the space we will have used for them for the daily sand and ash baths (or earth baths).Approximately for 3 or 4 laying hens, a space of about 1 square meter deep about 30/50 cm containing sand and wood ash (or charcoal) may suffice;we will be able to delimit it with wooden boards, bricks or stones, so as not to disperse the sand and ash in the remaining space of the hen house.The content can be sand only (fine-grained) or composed of a mix of sand and ash (up to 50% sand and 50% ash).A part of diatomaceous earth, as well as a part of "sulfur flower" (sublimated sulfur) could also be added to sand and ash.There are also special mixtures on the market for the "dry bath" of our hens.The ideal would be to install a canopy above the dry bath to prevent the sand from getting wet;it would also be advisable for at least one side wall (the one most subject to air currents) to be closed / protected.The sand and wood ash are wisely used by our hens to create a sort of physical barrier that prevents external parasites from invading their plumage (mites and pollen lice above all) and create great annoyances for them;the impression, seeing them, is that they really like to roll in the sand and move it with the movement of their wings, and in this sense, the "dry bath" not only seems to serve them as a healthy practice, but it could be defined, in a certain sense , a real "wellness activity".Our two hens taking a relaxing bath… in the earth!In fact it is not mandatory that the "bathroom" is made with sand and ash.If inside the enclosure (or garden or scratching area) there are areas of crumbly and fine earth that the hens can easily move, dig and throw at each other, they can do just as well.Hi, I ask you a question regarding the construction of the sand-ash bath.According to your knowledge, are there any contraindications to using ash obtained from the pellet stove?Can that type of ash have harmful properties?Hi Andrea, as far as pellets are concerned, we recommend this article: http://www.viviconstile.org/lo-sapevi-che/clima-in-casa/ce-pellet-e-pellet which specifies the various differences between a poor quality pellet and one of certified TOP quality, and which does not contain harmful substances.To make the ash with which you will prepare the "bath" for your hens, our advice is therefore to use ecological pellets.A cordial greeting and good day.I prepare a mixture of wood ash sand and diatomaceous earth obviously covered by a canopy.Hi Francesco, we could say: Perfection!Diatomaceous earth is excellent and the roofing with the canopy is essential so that it does not get wet, becoming unusable for its purpose.Great, as always!🙂 A salutone!Bye!I bought some diatomaceous earth and was also thinking of adding it to the sand and ash bath, but they advised against it because inhaling the earth could be dangerous for the chickens.As I read here that it can be used ... I am a little confused.What advice do you give me?Can I possibly also put it in the nest?Can it be used diluted in water?Thank you!Hello Alessia, we had not forgotten about your question, but thanks to your question, we decided to deepen the subject, and despite the fact that wherever it is sold precisely for the hens, without any mention of any related problems (we used it us too!), in fact, there seems to be some risk to the airways.We are therefore investigating the matter even with a super expert and we will shortly publish an article about it (on the pros and cons of diatomaceous earth and any risks).So thank you for letting us draw attention to this aspect.🙂 We will notify you when the article is published, ok?Greetings and happy Sunday.PS: Below is an example of how even a well-known brand of chicken products describes diatomaceous earth as absolutely natural, without mentioning any possible risks.“Diatomaceous earth or diatomaceous earth is a fine white powder, a fossil residue of microscopic algae belonging to the diatom family.It is a 100% natural product and works thanks to its absorbent property and the ability to dry the parasites it comes into contact with, eliminating them.It can be used to control both internal and external parasites.Added to chicken feed, and used daily, it avoids infestations by lice, mites and other parasites.Diatomaceous earth can also be added to your chickens' sand bath, especially if you suspect they have lice or mites.It works effectively even when mixed with feed.Tip: mix some vegetable oil with the layers of pellets before sprinkling the powder, so it will stick to them more easily.Diatomaceous earth is also useful if you have a worm, as it helps keep flies in check.Add a light bulb to the top of your Hungry Bin or any other worm to keep flies away.Diatomaceous earth is approved by the EU Animal Feed Additives (Silicon Dioxide) law E551C and has been used for over 25 years to naturally control parasites. "Hi I would like to know if it is okay even just wood ash without sand for the hens….I have also read that there may be coals it is true.SincerelyGood evening Pierantonio, in our opinion only ash is not good, and even less coals, which are useless.The ash is too fine and in the long run it could cause some disturbance to the respiratory system.Cordial greetings.Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.