Dust baths, also called dusting or sand bathing, are part of a bird’s preening and plumage maintenance that keeps feathers in top condition. … Dry skin and other debris can also be removed with excess dust, and regular dusting may help smother or minimize lice, feather mites and other parasites

 

Below are various types of dusting & oyster shells used as grit

An open dry sandy soil works as a dust bed

Dusting helps remove parasites

Oyster shells should be added to feeders