Can't they dig elsewhere?

[mowin]

Because they love you

Well, I opened the lid to the smoker and told them if they don't behave..... Didn't work.

 

[picklestheduck]

My hens ONLY dust bathe up against the house.

 

[My Bagurks]

I built my coop down hill and about 300 feet from the house near the tree line and a creek. When I let them out, they walk all the way up around the garden and dust bath under my porch. Even found an egg on a chair on the porch. Entitled to say the least.

 

[Cheekimama]

Little devils have almost 2 of my 8 acres fenced in to roam. Where do they decide the best place to dust bathe? Yep next to the house.

You could try a designated dust bath. I bought a tub (I think its actually landscaping product) from tractor supply, filled with dirt, potting soil and diamateous earth and they love it! Some even takes naps in it

 

[mowin]

You could try a designated dust bath. I bought a tub (I think its actually landscaping product) from tractor supply, filled with dirt, potting soil and diamateous earth and they love it! Some even takes naps in it View attachment 3105126

They have two to choose from in the runs, which they use when I don't let them out. Once they are let loose, and if it's dry, they head over to the house. Lol.

 

[Cheekimama]

Guessing I'll have the same issue once I let mine out to free range as well lol. Thx for the heads up!!

 

[K0k0shka]

If you want an explanation, in addition to the fun commiserating comments (which I have enjoyed reading!), it's probably because the areas near the house get more foot traffic, so the grass isn't as thick, and there are more bare patches with exposed dirt, which is easier to dig through and kick up when they're dust-bathing. They can't dust-bathe on a thick mat of grass, like out in the open acres that are covered by grass. So they look for looser soil. Right up against the house wall, is under the eaves and doesn't get a lot of rain, so the soil is drier and looser, and less grows there because it's dry - so it's a much better place to dig and dust bathe than the open lawn. That's why chickens tend to dust bathe against walls, fences and objects, under bushes, and other such areas where there's less vegetation and the dirt is easier to dig into.

As for hanging out on patios, garages, sheds, on the car, etc. instead of the available acres - chickens like things. They like climbing on things, going under and behind things, exploring different surfaces, heights, dimensions. So all those human structures are just a lot more interesting to them than a boring open field. Open fields are for horses. Chickens like stuff!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

If you want an explanation, in addition to the fun commiserating comments (which I have enjoyed reading!), it's probably because the areas near the house get more foot traffic, so the grass isn't as thick, and there are more bare patches with exposed dirt, which is easier to dig through and kick up when they're dust-bathing. They can't dust-bathe on a thick mat of grass, like out in the open acres that are covered by grass. So they look for looser soil. Right up against the house wall, is under the eaves and doesn't get a lot of rain, so the soil is drier and looser, and less grows there because it's dry - so it's a much better place to dig and dust bathe than the open lawn. That's why chickens tend to dust bathe against walls, fences and objects, under bushes, and other such areas where there's less vegetation and the dirt is easier to dig into.

As for hanging out on patios, garages, sheds, on the car, etc. instead of the available acres - chickens like things. They like climbing on things, going under and behind things, exploring different surfaces, heights, dimensions. So all those human structures are just a lot more interesting to them than a boring open field. Open fields are for horses. Chickens like stuff!

In addition, if you are in a hot climate, and they are looking to cool off, right up against the house is also shaded, and your concrete foundation is a HUGE heat sink. One much less likely to be insulated in southern states - so if you condition the interior of your house, its cooler than the surrounding earth.

 

[Isadora]

Well, I opened the lid to the smoker and told them if they don't behave..... Didn't work.

It was worth a try

 

[3KillerBs]

Open fields are for horses. Chickens like stuff!

YES!