chicken behaviors – dust bathing

Our chickens love a good dust bath.  While it looks dirty and gross, its actually an important part of their natural hygiene.

On nice sunny days the chickens will spend all afternoon showering themselves with dirt.  They’ve found a few spots in the yard with suitable soil, but their favorite is over by the garage in the full sun.

The fine soil is sifted down through their feathers and helps by rubbing dry skin off their bodies.  It also helps by clogging the breathing holes of lice and other parasites.

A quick shake and she’s as clean as ever.