The Dust Bath. . .

Dust baths are absolutely essential for chickens.  They prevent parasites such as lice, mites and ticks from making homes in chickens feathers and on their legs.  Dirt naturally clogs the respiratory pores of parasites, like lice, ticks and mites.  When the respiratory pores of these parasites are clogged, they can no longer breathe and will die.  I'd say that chickens are pretty darned smart!  It's something that they all do, but aside from the benefits of a dust bath as explained above, I tend to think that it is also a great source of joy for chickens.  If you've never seen a chicken have a dust bath, I swear you would think they were having convulsions and getting ready to up and die right there on the spot!

I know, I know.  Look how "Dirty they're getting"!  But when they have completed their dust bath, they will give themselves a good shake (like a dog), all the dirt will fly out of their feathers and then they'll preen until they're all beautiful again.

Here's some pictures of them enjoying their wonderful dust bath as they kick, flail and throw dirt everywhere, including but not limited to in each other's faces.

Last summer, I even caught a picture of Caspian enjoying a dust bath with the hens.  They taught her how to do it!

And here they all are after they've had their shake and preen.

Dixie. . .

Daisy. . .

. . .and Jasmine.  She's not molting like her sisters, and is so beautiful and fluffy!

Dust baths are good clean chicken fun!