Dirt Bath Behavior

[BellaBlueBell]

This is the first time my 3 hens have taken a dust bath in our garden. They go in/out of the garden area all the time but today they have rolled around and dug a good 6 inches. They are laying at times on top of each other or their heads are close enough that the combs touch, rolling and kicking up dirt on themselves. Then we hear this low growl sound which hubby thought sounded almost like a purr. What's this all about? Why today? They could have done this on the hotter days. It's really funny to watch them. Even my bunny sat outside the entrance watching.

 

[orloffer]

Chickens enjoy dirt bathing anytime! It is quite amusing to watch; they look so relaxed and happy!

 

[orloffer]

My hens have dug some surprisingly deep holes, but they fill up with oak leaves pretty quickly.

 

[3KillerBs]

I love that little purring sound. It seems so thoroughly contented.

 

[GC-Raptor]

My 2 years old Barred Rocks dust bathe under the raised coop during hot summer days. They dug under the hanging nest box about 8 inches.
I have to be careful when collecting eggs.
A recently cloudy day they dust bathe away from the coop.

At least one was purring.
My pullets dust bathe too, shown last month at 12 weeks old.

So far I haven't heard them purr. GC