Bird Dirt Bath¿

[mjdtexan]

I have noticed that our 18 week old (i think) pullets have started taking dirt baths. Is this an indicator of a problem or is it normal?

 

[My chicken is cuter]

My hens love taking dirt baths!! I think it's the Texas heat. And it's fun because if they get all dirty and I want to hold them but not get dirty I just toss them up and they flap their wings and get all the dirt off. Just like new. It looks funny too.

 

[Rte.66_chicks]

It is totally normal and one of the BEST parts of "chicken channel TV"! I never get tired of watching them in their "dirt day spa". Even my big. lanky SLW roo will get in there sometimes, but he's usually the lookout.

 

[sticksoup]

My little baby pullet started giving herself dirt baths since she was 4 weeks old. She loves it!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Taking dirt baths is their way of handling mites and lice. Them taking dirt baths does NOT mean that they have mites or lice. Taking dirt baths is something instinctive they do, so don't worry.

That said, you should occasionally check them for these parasites. Look in the vent area and if you see some little critters rushing to hide from you, they need treatment. They can get the parasites from wild birds.

 

[eschwaderer]

I dug a small pit in my run and put sand in it. They love it.

 

[chickenlove2009]

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100% NORMAL! It is to discourage mites and such.

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
mine do the same!!

 

[DDRanch]

Normal. And quite important for them too.

 

[Justino]

yup, normal LOL they do it i think to clean off the bugs

as weird as that is