My chicks have funny habits

[Dez]

So my two little ones are about 4 weeks old now. They have feathers growing all over their chests and legs. They still sleep inside the brooder but I take them outside most of the day to play and scratch in the yard...

I been noticing them doing some peculiar things...

They will be scratching away looking for bugs or whatever they look for then suddenly start scratching the ground like crazy throwing dirt all over themselves. ... it will go on for 15 minutes then the will get up and walk around for a bit only to return to the same spot again and start doing it all over again. Does this mean they have mites or fleas? or is it just something they like doing?

The other thing I have noticed is when they come up on the porch they flop over on their sides and spread one wing out with their legs sticking out behind them.. and they will just lay there like a dead bird! Are they actually sunbathing?

Lastly they are constantly coming inside the house if I leave the sliding door open. I wouldn't mind them being in the house if they didn't poop ever 5 minutes. I'll put them back outside and they wait by the door for it to open again and come in the house...

We don't have a coop built yet and plan to free range them when they are moved outside for good. Which at they rate they are growing it won't be long.. we have about an acre of yard and it is fenced.

 

[cackydoodledoo]

These sound like normal chicken things!!! They are just dust bathing when they rummage around throwing the dirt all over. All chickens do it. As far as the other they are probably just stretching or sunbathing as you say. I wouldn't allow them in your house unless you want chicken poo all over!!! They see you are inside and that's why they are probably standing there. You are their momma!!! Just leave them be and I am sure they will get bored with staring at you and go on about their chicken business!!!!



Oh btw

 

[ranchhand]

All normal behaviour!

Dust bathing and sun bathing is are favorite activities, just beware of breaking your ankle in the craters they'll make when they get bigger! And it will usually be in your cherished flower beds.....

As far as going in the house? They will take advantage of any opening- I don't like poop in the house and I really don't like chickens being forced to wear diapers, so I don't let them in.

They're a lot of fun to watch!

 

[TouchO'Lass]

Also 4 wks, sunbathing in the PACNORWEST

DH walked out to the run and asked what was wrong with all of them!

One of the barred was just WALLOWING in the sand! When she finally stood up and shook, she looked like Pigpen from Snoopy! Hilarious!
I just sat and watched 'em for over 2 hours. Soooo relaxing, and much more fun than doing dishes!