Pine Shaving Dust Bath...concern

[TammyTX]

I was watching my chicks who just turned 3 weeks on Saturday. One of the Marans took a dust bath in the pine shavings and as a result the loose shavings covered her feathers. Three of the other chicks came running over and started pecking the shavings off like they were bugs. I don't think it bothered the “peckee” because she acted like she didn't even notice, but I'm worried that this behavior of pecking each other will escalate.

Tonite I’m picking up a few more boxes to expand their area to 48 square feet (I have 49 chicks) but they also use the vertical space and will roost on the box edges. I’ve hung large shiny bolts and nuts from string to give them something to peck at other than each other….

Anyone else have this happen? Should I be worried?

 

[CANDLE98]

All of my chicks did that, and no it doesn't lead to pecking, they just see something different on their friends so they are seing if it is good to eat!

 

[stormylady]

My chicks do that too, so im glad someone came to answer your post as i was concerned also, good to know, Thanks again for posting.