Can't they dig elsewhere?

[MACCanadianCoop]

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!

And also they really love you