why are they doing this?

[sourland]

Yep, they're 'dust bathing' - without the dust.

 

[sharlee]

Does it mean the chickens have mites if they dust bath ??

 

[sourland]

Does it mean the chickens have mites if they dust bath ??

Nope.

 

[Rhandi74]

Does it mean the chickens have mites if they dust bath ??

No, chickens dust bathe to clean themselves. My chickens have a kiddie pool full of dirt and they love to get in it and bathe. They could have mites so if you have not checked, you may want to.

 

[sharlee]

What are signs of mites & are they big enough to see??

 

[vehve]

Count the chickens.

Yup, it's just normal behavior, it's great to watch the chicks bathing.

 

[Rhandi74]

What are signs of mites & are they big enough to see??

I am new to chickens but I have dealt with mites in my goats. I could not see them but they will be itchy and have feather loss. Also the skin will be red and sore. My goats had scabs from sores. It is probably not mites if you have not seen them doing a lot of itching or having feather loss. I just wanted to make sure I said it is possible and if you were concerned you could check them.

 

[Rhandi74]

Here is a link on a good article on mitesHttp://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mites-lice-treatment-and-prevention

 

[vehve]

They look to still be in a brooder, so I'd say chances of being contaminated with mites at this point are minimal at best.