Sitemaps

Why do my chickens play in the dirt2007-11-24 17:27:03

Is it good for them to do that??

Answers:

Chickens "play" in the dirt for a few reasons. One is to cool off it is a hot day, they absorb the cool temps from the ground, another is to "dust" themselves with the dirt. helps with personal grooming and discourages ticks, fleas and mosquitos.

---

Yes, they do that, their looking for bugs to eat

---

Yes it's fine. We raised chickens when I was a kid living with my Dad. It is an instinctual thing, they are looking for food, worms and bugs and the such.

---

In addition to finding bugs and seeds, they could be dusting themselves. This helps keep their feathers and skin healthy and free of pests.

---

This is completely normal. I was raised taking care of chickens and they do it simply to look for bugs, worms, and it is also like them taking a bath; it helps keep there feathers in good condition.

---

I was told years ago that is has to do with the lice and mites that birds get on their feathers. The dirt kinda smothers the parasite and leaves the bird. I see wild birds do it outside also.birds that don't eat bugs.

---

Chickens take dust baths.