I have a flock of 12, several different breeds, all standard size. I try very hard to let them free range at least 2 hrs every day and about three days a week they get out after 2pm (at least 3.5 hrs now but it used to be up to 7hrs) ... They NEVER stop scratching, chasing bugs, moving, working. They do dust bath in the run and in their pan but never outside in the yard or edge of the woods... Is this normal behavior? They have all the fresh greens, permium birdseed, laying pellets, oyster shell, grit and fresh water they want--so they aren't straving!
They dust bath where its comfortable for them. At present my winter garden isn't in yet and that is their preferred dust bathing spot. I won't be able to let them free range as much once the garden goes back in.
If they only have limited time out they're not going to waste it dustbathing; especially when they can do that while confined.
