MJ's little flock

See, this upsets me. She's dust bathing in a millimetre (if that) of woodshavings when there's a nice deep pile of dirt right there.

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They may not have ever seen real dirt yet in their lives. Give them time. They may also have to learn it from the others. I am assuming these were not raised by a mum, otherwise mum would have told them.

The Rascals never used the dirt bin I gave them in Hattie House preferring to dustbath in the straw. It was only once they moved to the Cluckle Hut and the big run that they started using dirt to dustbathe. I don't know if they saw the others doing it or if it was the fact that there were wonderful dust holes waiting for them to use or if it was because once they were down the ramp, they did not go back into the Hut so all there was to use was dirt. It could be any of those reasons.
 
OMG, I was just hanging out some washing on the line when Snowy caught a big fat worm. Then this Benny Hill chase ensued all around the garden, I could practically hear the Yakkity Sax music! Of course it was all over by the time I grabbed my phone, and do you think I could recreate it with some pasta and two freshly dug-up uber-worms? Nope!
I can totally picture it. 😆
 
I might have been more patient with that. They are likely to scatter that everywhere.
That's OK.

When I decided to keep them in the sleepout, I immediately gave up on neatness!

Just kidding, I'm sure they will spread it out thinner but as they're wiggling in the woodshavings, a little clay and potting mix amongst it will do them good.
 
I've brought in a few tennis balls to provide a sense of how little the pullets are.

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I think Katie could fit a tennis ball under her tummy while standing, but only just.
 
They may not have ever seen real dirt yet in their lives. Give them time. They may also have to learn it from the others. I am assuming these were not raised by a mum, otherwise mum would have told them.

The Rascals never used the dirt bin I gave them in Hattie House preferring to dustbath in the straw. It was only once they moved to the Cluckle Hut and the big run that they started using dirt to dustbathe. I don't know if they saw the others doing it or if it was the fact that there were wonderful dust holes waiting for them to use or if it was because once they were down the ramp, they did not go back into the Hut so all there was to use was dirt. It could be any of those reasons.
I was thinking that too. A video from the farm that hatched them shows all the chickens on straw.

They'll learn about dust and dirt in time.
 

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