Question about dust bathing?

[salsss]

Looked out today and I see a chicken dust bathing in the dirt bottomed run...that's fine but there are a circle of others around her pecking at her--are they preening or did I miss a mite problem? I do check them...not every one but..

Also they are digging that hole bigger for her. Hopefully I'm not seeing a mite or pest issue?

Thanks...I have a camera out there and the first time I saw that, I thought I had a dead chicken!! LOL

 

[sunflour]

Mine do that - I think the one churning the dirt brings up goodies or at least the others think there are some

Chickens don't dust bathe if they are ill - if she wanted to she can just get up and move.

 

[azygous]

The "pecking" associated with dirt bathing isn't what you think. Instead of an aggressive action, it's a social one. Pay attention closely and you will notice the beak action isn't a hammering one, but more of a sliding action. It signifies a desire to join in the dirt bathing and the need for it to be communal.

Dirt bathing is one of the most social activities chickens engage in and they derive great joy in the closeness of their peers while engaging in it.

 

[aart]

Dust bathing can be the best chicken TV!

Hard to say why they are pecking her...
....there's a lot of pecking goes on in the dust bath, at each other and the ground.
Have seen them peck to lord status, pull rank, and take over the bathing area.

Bug checks are good thing to do regularly regardless:
Bugs check
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?
Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.
Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).
Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.
Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

If you do find some...check out this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1134783/permethrin-spray

 

[salsss]

Thanks all. I'm watching more closely and it seems more like preening/social pecks. Lovely to see. Even my little chicks in the living room do it.