Hens and Roo digging large holes

[dianehodges]

In December I purchased 3 hens and a rooster, all dominickers. The hens are laying almost daily but I have noticed they are digging holes and laying them. Sometimes they fluff around in the dirt. I have them in a pen but they access to the outdoors also. I clean the pen at least twice a week and put pine shavings on the floor. Should I clean the pen less and is this normal behavior?

 

[terrilhb]

They are giving themselves dirtbaths. They love to do this. Mine normally due it in their run but if it is raining outside I find them doing it in their coop. I think it helps them keep clean. Might be wrong on last part.And

from Ga

 

[dianehodges]

I appreciate the info, thanks

one dog, 2 cats, 1 rooster and 3 hens

 

[kandooshe]

It's a natural behavior called dust bath, ,, keep forward

 

[gryeyes]

Dust bathing does help with parasite control. Even chicks will "dust bathe" in the shavings in their brooder.

My front yard looks like a moonscape, with chicken fox holes where they have dug their dust bath spas. They will do it in the coop, too, especially if the weather outside is wet.

 

[sunnyvera]

In my large run I have put in a const. sand box in the corner - looks much like a child's sand box. Not fancey just 2x4's nailed together. Perfect for dust bathing. It discourages holes all over too. Maybe you can try it.

 

[Kathleen1115]

Ours make dust baths too, but they also like to dig for worms and other bugs. They are also very happy when I rake their yard and cover up the holes they've dug -- just more for them to do and new things to find! They really seem to like to be busy.

 

[mkearsley]

Mine prefer to use any semi-bare spot for their dust baths

I'm constantly filling holes throughout the yard where the grass was just a little thin & the silly things decided it was perfect for a bath. I've started using large tree branches over the holes to discourage them, plus they've got a hole by the house they can use, along with in their run. Last time I thoroughly cleaned their house out, they were all having great fun diggin in the newly-uncovered dirt & taking baths

They were'nt very happy when I kicked them out & covered it back up with straw

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

Even my broody chickens treasure their dust baths. I don't consider the hole large until I can hear Chinese conversations.

 

[MareeZoCool]

Perfectly normal for the chickens to be digging holes. Just wait 'till warm weather! They will have little basins dug al;l over your yard and gardens. Mine love to dig nice holes, then dirt bathe, then take a nap in the sun Especially if we are sitting or working outside.