Are my Chicks getting attacked by bugs?

[chrisxweaver]

Hi a new here and I recently picked up 4 chicks at 2 weeks old and I let them outside to play and walk around and I keep noticing them taking dirt baths like a lot and pecking at there wings and what not. Also there area I am putting them in is kind of dirt/ grass and there are a little bit of bugs like little ants and are these ants attacking them or other bugs?

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, chrisxweaver, and ! Pleased you joined our community! Dust bathing is normal for birds and it sounds like the other behavior is just grooming. I think most of the bugs they encounter are in more danger from the chickens than vice versa. Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[drumstick diva]

Chickens, depending on their personal taste, will eat bugs, slugs, bees, ants, etc. They love taking dust baths with help keep mites and lice at bay.

 

[drumstick diva]

chickens also tend to eat mice & snakes - I think turnabout is fair play, since the predators steal eggs and eat chicks.

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens! Everything you mentioned there sounds like normal chick behavior of some happy babies! I hope you enjoy BYC as much as I have!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.