Could be odd chicken bathing behavior....you be the judge

[No nuggets here]

So my Lavender Orp was dirt bathing today and I couldn't help but notice that the Copper Blue French Maran was pecking at her and scratching on her body as if she would scratch the ground for worms or something.....IS THIS NORMAL?! Lavender Orp was not bothered by this whatsoever. I've only been free ranging chickens in the city for 2yrs now and need your expertise on this, thanks!!!

 

[donrae]

Yep, normal. My hens seem to want to dust bathe in pairs, and one usually winds up right on top of the other. One pecks at the dirt/shavings on the other, and they scratch each other and dig under each other. I wish I had a video of "spa time" in my coop..






Yes, there are actually two birds in each picture.....I think it's some type of mutual grooming thing.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Yes, completely normal. My poor hen always gets pecked, pushed and stepped on when it comes to dirt bathing as the others are convinced that she has the best dirt!

 

[Exning]

Haha aww yea mine do that all the time, it's hilarious.