We have some Rhode Island Reds that are close relatives to the Digginest Dog

[RuffWoods]

So we have 10 wonderful hens that we adore! However, two of them are Rhode Island Reds and they dig all the day long. We have them in a run that is 10 X 16 with and elevated house and plenty of roosting area, and let them out for 2-3 hours everyday to roam our fenced in backyard yard that is about 3/4 acre. But the Rhodies make a mess wherever they go!! I swear they are trying to tunnel out of here! Any tips on curbing some of the digging? We are constantly filling in some of their tunnels and are sort of frustrated. Thanks in advance!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens dig, it's what they do. If there's specific areas you don't want them digging in you'll either need to fence the area off, or put down things like large rocks to prevent digging.

 

[HumbleAmerican]

I have a dozen RIR, 3 barred rock and 3 red sexlinks. All of them like to burrow. Went out the other day and saw tip of comb sticking up. Wandered over and both of them were dusting themselves in the same hole. Flat ground two full size hens disappeared all but tips of their comb.

Yeah….. if you want chickens to dig and dust somewhere you plant something pretty….. then r put down mulch.

 

[aart]

Chickens dig, it's what they do.

Yes, indeed!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

 

[3KillerBs]

When I was first researching chickens many years ago I was told that feather-footed breeds didn't dig as much.

Whoever wrote that never met my Brahma, Dumpling (now sold), who could excavate a hole as deep as her back in a single day.

I just try not to break my ankles in the moonscape.