help?....

[pierce189]

Not sure if its normal or not, or if i am missing something. Im noticing my chicks digging/scratching at ther bedding in there brooder. Are they in need of something or is this just normal behavior? They have water food and a heat lamp. Not sure if they need the dust bath yet, thoughts?

 

[WooingWyandotte]

Chicks'll dig and scratch almost anywhere they find something interesting. Now is this a hen/rooster or a young pullet/cock? If it's a hen, she could be nesting/brooding or even preparing to start laying eggs!

 

[MrsHatz]

WooingWyandotte If it's a chick with a heat lamp, in a brooder; wouldn't it be a bit young to start laying eggs?

 

[WooingWyandotte]

Yep, I was reading kinda fast and didn't catch that lol. Chicks just dig for fun, it's completely normal.

 

[scflock]

Wait until they take their first dust bath and you think they are dying

 

[pierce189]

Lol when do i set out a dust bath? What is it for? They are a couple day old pullets. I thought maybe they were just investigating there new home

 

[scflock]

Lol when do i set out a dust bath? What is it for? They are a couple day old pullets. I thought maybe they were just investigating there new home

One day you will look out the window, and there will be your beautiful little bird, in a hole, in the violent throes of death. You will think she is having a seizure. Don't worry, she's enjoying it

 

[pierce189]

Ok thanks, these are my 1st chicks, so im still learning.

 

[scflock]

Ok thanks, these are my 1st chicks, so im still learning.

We all are. Your first batch is like having little children, you worry about every little thing that you haven't seen before. I seriously thought my chicken was dying the first time I saw a dust bath

I've had chickens for 7 years now, and I still learn new things every week, especially on BYC. You're going to love it

 

[scflock]

Lol when do i set out a dust bath? What is it for? They are a couple day old pullets. I thought maybe they were just investigating there new home

I wasn't thinking, I should describe it for you. You don't have to make it for them. They will dig out a little place in the dirt, then lay on their backs, roll around, kick dirt in the air, then lay perfectly still for a while. It's horrific if you don't know what's happening. I walked down to check on her, and she hopped up, shook off the dust, and carried on. You will remember me telling you this the first time you see it