Chick trying to nest?

[dsmdaryl]

Have a 2 week old Buff Orp that is hopping in the feed trough and looks like she's trying to make a little dugout in the corner to nest in. Is that what she's trying to do this young, or is this something else? Thanks

 

[arlee453]

Probably just practicing dust bathing.

My chicks will do that from about 1.5-2wks and on - getting down in the shavings and rustling around. Hard to describe, but they do leave a little bowl shaped depression when they get up.

 

[Wildsky]

I had my little ones outside during the day at that age and they dust bathed like profesionals!

(that was in August so it was lovely and warm outside)

 

[dsmdaryl]

Oh ok, that would make sense I was curious because she's the only one doing it...that I've seen.

 

[dsmdaryl]

Oh ok, that would make sense I was curious because she's the only one doing it...that I've seen.

 

[Nichole77]

that sounds so cute

 

[brooster]

I dont know my little brood-a-holoc Buff orpington babies sat on the eggs in the nest. But if she is in the feeder, she is probably dust bathing.

 

[SillyChick]

I also experienced the same! My chicks like to hang around in the feeder, sometimes even sleep there! The bad thing is they poop in it all the time.

You can let them outside and provide them soft and loose soil to dust bathe in. You can loosen the soil by tilling it with a shovel. Then place the chick there, and shower her some soil. Then she will get the idea and dust bathe. It looks like they're having seizures! But she's actually enjoying it and is beneficial in removing parasites.