Chickens Lying in Dirt

[hydestone]

A fwe of my chickens started lying down in the dirt. I don't recall seeing them do that much in the past. What are they doing...ralaxing or getting into the nesting mood?

 

[Imp]

Sounds like they are dustbathing. They pack dirt into their feathers then shake it out. Helps get rid of any bugs that may be on them.

Imp

 

[hydestone]

Where does chicken lice come from? If there are 6 isolated chickens, where would they pick up lice?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Just because they are dust bathing, does not mean they have lice. It's a behavior they all do whether or not they actually have bugs to deal with. And, they could pick up lice from wild birds.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
They just get it from nature,... the little buggers are everywhere!