A chick that never dust bath while others do

[tarnte]

Hi, I’m pretty new to backyard chicken. Got 3 baby chicks that are close to 5 weeks old. (Rhode Island Red, Silver laced Wyandotte and Buff Orpington). I took them outside to play in the yard and the Rhode Island Red and Silver Wyandotte stated to take their dust bath for like 15-20 minutes while the Buff Orpington just kept walking around them. (See photo)
Sometimes I will leave a tray of dirt for them to dust bath in the brooder. I never seen the Buff Orpington take a dust bath. Now I’m kind of wondering if this is a normal behavior that she never dust bath? I’m a little concerned with mites problem in the future. Thank you!!!

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Pretty birds! Unless you watch them 24/7, you can easily miss her dust baths. They look completely un-dusty minutes after they finish.

That said, I’ve never seen one of my four dust bathe, either. But they all seem clean and healthy!

 

[DobieLover]

Hi, I’m pretty new to backyard chicken. Got 3 baby chicks that are close to 5 weeks old. (Rhode Island Red, Silver laced Wyandotte and Buff Orpington). I took them outside to play in the yard and the Rhode Island Red and Silver Wyandotte stated to take their dust bath for like 15-20 minutes while the Buff Orpington just kept walking around them. (See photo)
Sometimes I will leave a tray of dirt for them to dust bath in the brooder. I never seen the Buff Orpington take a dust bath. Now I’m kind of wondering if this is a normal behavior that she never dust bath? I’m a little concerned with mites problem in the future. Thank you!!!

The only of my birds I've never seen dust bathe is my rooster.

 

[tarnte]

The only of my birds I've never seen dust bathe is my rooster.

That’s my most fear. That this Buff Orpington might turn out to be a ‘he’ . This girl is the biggest among my 3 chicks....I think time will tell.

 

[tarnte]

Pretty birds! Unless you watch them 24/7, you can easily miss her dust baths. They look completely un-dusty minutes after they finish.

That said, I’ve never seen one of my four dust bathe, either. But they all seem clean and healthy!

Thanks!!! I did install camera to watch them. (Overprotective new mama chicken ). I will keep monitoring. Thank you for your reply!

 

[OhZark Biddies]

Hi, I’m pretty new to backyard chicken. Got 3 baby chicks that are close to 5 weeks old. (Rhode Island Red, Silver laced Wyandotte and Buff Orpington). I took them outside to play in the yard and the Rhode Island Red and Silver Wyandotte stated to take their dust bath for like 15-20 minutes while the Buff Orpington just kept walking around them. (See photo)
Sometimes I will leave a tray of dirt for them to dust bath in the brooder. I never seen the Buff Orpington take a dust bath. Now I’m kind of wondering if this is a normal behavior that she never dust bath? I’m a little concerned with mites problem in the future. Thank you!!!

I would name this non-bather Stinky

 

[chrissynemetz]

Some dust bathe more often than others, and some don't start until they get older. I wouldn't worry too much. Oh and my rooster dust bathes more than the hens. He likes playing in the dirt

 

[tarnte]

Some dust bathe more often than others, and some don't start until they get older. I wouldn't worry too much. Oh and my rooster dust bathes more than the hens. He likes playing in the dirt

Thanks Chrissy!!

 

[Roo5]

All females, wouldn’t worry about that,she probably just isn’t interested or you’ve missed it.

 

[tarnte]

An Update: so the BO is now dust bathing regularly! I made a big tub of dirt for them next to their coop. Thanks everyone for the support!