Are charcoal aches from the barbecue bad to add for chicken dust bath

[sararoni]

Merry christmas and happy holidays everyone,

It is snowing here and I need to put something in the chicken run for them to dust bathe.
Their run is not big 32``x 100`` for 4 chickens.
It is dirt covered with a thick layer of dry leaves being shred by them slowly.
I have a charcoal barbecue.
I read wood aches are ok but what about charcoal aches??

What else can be added without buying DE, play sand etc.

I have a few bags of sanded grout is that harmful??

 

[Yay Chicks!]

It's my understanding that wood ash is okay (not toxic) but that charcoal ash is not okay (toxic). I doubt that sanded grout would be a good idea. Since chickens peck at everything, I would not add anything that they couldn't eat.

 

[scooter147]

I would not use BBQ ashes UNLESS they are not self lighting or if you do not use lighter fluid.

I have a 55 gallon drum that I cut with a torch and bent the edges over that I keep in the coop during the winter. It's about 1/4 it's original size. I put sand, ashes from the fireplace, dirt and a little DE in it. The hens use it all winter long. It's quite funny when 6 or more try to bathe all at once and several sitting on the sides waiting their turn.

 

[Greyfox Farm]

It's my understanding that wood ash is okay (not toxic) but that charcoal ash is not okay (toxic).

I've heard this before, and it's always baffled me. Wood is wood, whether it's been pressed into briquettes or not. Burning it completely will consume any residual additives such as wax. The smoke it generates hasn't proven harmful to generations of backyard barbequer's, so I can't see how the ash would harm a bird. If anyone has some documented, scientific evidence that there is any chemical difference between charcoal ash and stove ash PLEASE post it as I've never seen a shred of evidence, only heard "as everyone knows," or "someone told me", and I'd love to settle this once and for all.

Sorry if I sound bitchy, but as a former Chem. major I chafe at unproved assertions. (steps down off soapbox after self-absorbed rant).

 

[farmhand]

I've heard this before, and it's always baffled me. Wood is wood, whether it's been pressed into briquettes or not. Burning it completely will consume any residual additives such as wax. The smoke it generates hasn't proven harmful to generations of backyard barbequer's, so I can't see how the ash would harm a bird. If anyone has some documented, scientific evidence that there is any chemical difference between charcoal ash and stove ash PLEASE post it as I've never seen a shred of evidence, only heard "as everyone knows," or "someone told me", and I'd love to settle this once and for all.

Sorry if I sound bitchy, but as a former Chem. major I chafe at unproved assertions. (steps down off soapbox after self-absorbed rant).

@Greyfox Farm I've been searching for the same info because I would love to use my BBQ ash. Anyone?

 

[flickerloo]

I would be very cautious about charcoal briquet ash, as the pressed briquettes contain coal dust. However, I don't think it would be a problem if you are using natural lump hardwood charcoal with no lighter fluid.