Why are they doing this?

[SheltonDHW]

My pullets were hatchet in April. I have had them for 2 weeks now.

A couple of days ago, one of them started sitting on the floor in the pine shaving bedding during the day. Now 2 more have joined her and 2 of those have started scratching a depression outside and sitting there buts in there.

It is not hot here, not cold, either. Are they just tired? Could they be "practicing" sitting on a nest? I took one of them today off the floor and sat her in the nest, but she just walked out.

Thanks,

Kristy

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Sounds like they were trying to take/taking a dust bath.

 

[babyspice35]

I think they want to take a dust bath. They might just also just want to relax.

I'm a bit confused as to how old they are... maybe a typo?


**edit: Sorry on my part, just reread the original post... wasn't making sense earlier... I was half asleep!

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

If they are kind of wallowing about and sort of look like they are having a seizure and then they act all insulted when you panic and go pick them up... then they are dust bathing.

 

[SheltonDHW]

Hatched in April. I bought them 2 weeks ago.

Forgot about the dust baths...

 

[ChooksChick]

Quote:
That's a great description of dust bath behavior!

When mine do this I'll help by getting a trowel and scratching a bit of the soil to loosen it- some of ours is like concrete. I'll also add a bunch of DE so it's an anti-parasite bath even more!

 

[SheltonDHW]

CityGirl- no, they were just sitting inside, and outside, they scratched until they made a "bowl" and then sat down in it. One started raking the dirt in front of her with her beak, like she was packing it around her.

 

[schmije]

Yes, sounds like dustbathing. However my little girls (hatched in March) started laying a few weeks ago, and they're still working out the kinks - namely WHERE to lay their eggs. They've 'nested' out a few areas in the bedding on the floor and laid a few eggs there. At least they're inside the coop, so I don't have to go on an Easter egg hunt.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Mine have been doing that now that the weather is hot. They dig out a wallow and then snuggle in. I think the dirt bowl must be cooler somehow. Of course, they give in and dust bath while they are at it. Silly chickens.

 

[babyspice35]

I love watching them dustbathe and make their trills of joy.

My guess is that because they were in shavings they were a bit confused. I've seen my birds try to dustbathe in shavings. They're a lot more lightweight then dirt,

so they flew everywhere!


Hey and maybe they are looking for the "right" place. I've witnessed them just chillin in a dimple in their straw. I ask them if they're thinking about laying me an egg.