New Odd Behavior - help?

[mamatomany]

My chickens, all around 20 weeks - some of them have been digging out holes in the dirt and nesteling down? No eggs from any of them, but does that indicate that they are ready?

 

[b.hromada]

They are dust-bathing.

 

[gritsar]

Yep, taking dust baths. A chickens favorite activity, next to eating. Surprised yours weren't doing it earlier. Mine have been dustbathing since they were 3 days old...in the food dish.

 

[Buzzy]

Dust baths are a natural tick control - doesn't mean your birds have bugs, but they are hard-wired to do this

Also they'll dig big holes to cool down in the heat

And don't freak when they lay down and stretch out one leg and wing and lay there looking like a crippled chicken - it's a thing they like to do...

who knows? chicken brains.

 

[rachiegirl]

It's really funny when they do the "crippled chicken dust bath party pile." Like you walked in on a party the morning after!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
Ok that one really made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the chuckle.

 

[chookook]

Must agree...great giggle!

 

[mlh93080]

Yeah you should see all my flower gardens. They're not too pretty anymore with squished down flowers and big holes!

 

[onedozenphyllises]

I have chicken-shaped divots ALL OVER my place.

 

[rainbowgardens]

Yup! I've changed my frame of mind. I'm no longer growing flowers in my flowerbeds... I'm growing chickens!