My new hen is digging at the bottom of the coop.

[CrestedCream]

A new hen I brought into the flock is digging at the bottom of the coop. She’s laying down and scratches. She’s also in the best box while she does this and I’m not sure if it matters but her mouth is constantly open while she’s doing it? What could this mean?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

It certainly sounds to like she is trying to take herself a dust bath.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

A new hen I brought into the flock is digging at the bottom of the coop. She’s laying down and scratches. She’s also in the best box while she does this and I’m not sure if it matters but her mouth is constantly open while she’s doing it? What could this mean?

She is dust bathing. It's normal behavior. Her mouth is open because she's panting.

 

[CrestedCream]

What is dust bathing?

 

[Dawnclucks22]

What is dust bathing?

Chickens dust bathe to rid their bodies of minor external parasites and just to have fun. Here's an article on it: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/chickens-dont-take-water-baths-they-take-dust-baths/

 

[Zinjifrah]

Just be glad it's in the dirt... my Serama chicks have access to dirt to bathe in, get time outside in the dirt every day, and instead, they try to dust-bathe in their FOOD.

 

[64joan]

Hi I am a first time feather mum can you tell me what I can use for a dust bath my girls are in a large shed / run as our soil is very clay like and holds too much water .At the moment I am using Builders sand in a box is this ok sorry I am in the UK

 

[Dawnclucks22]

Hi I am a first time feather mum can you tell me what I can use for a dust bath my girls are in a large shed / run as our soil is very clay like and holds too much water .At the moment I am using Builders sand in a box is this ok sorry I am in the UK

Anything accessible that is also fine like sand will work.