Dust bath risk?

[trumpeting_angel]

My 10-day-old chicks gather round any one who decides to take a dust bath (in the pine shavings) and peck her, apparently due to the yummy pine dust all over their backs. You can barely see the bathing chick in these pictures - she is another Buff Orp.

I’ve felt their pecks - they seem very gentle. But it’s disconcerting to watch. It looks like they are hanging up. Two different chicks have had their baths.

I think this is okay ...?

 

[feathermaid]

Yep, perfectly normal. Chicks are very curious about everything and they'll give gentle pecks on everything they find interesting. Usually no harm at all.

You could even try adding in a container of sand or dirt for some real fun!
You can see my little OE give some protest peeps when she gets stepped on by the maran. They work it out.