Monday, March 19, 2012

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!

15 comments:

  1. Gorgeous! So sweet that Caspian joins in!

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    1. Thanks Lauren. Yes, Caspian is totally owned by the chickens. I think she's resigned herself to become one of them. Her sister "Faline" is the same way.

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  2. Wonderful post ! And amazing photos...you really captured some nice shots. I love when mine dust bath.

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    1. Thanks Lisa. I love the 5th picture. The chicken in the front (Dixie) actually looks like road kill. All dirty, head pointing up and eyes closed. Chickens are hilarious when they dust bathe!

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  3. Love your pics! I love watching Lulu bath and used to love watching the girls too. The looked so funny.

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    1. I love Lulu!! She is the most amazing chicken!!!

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  4. They are adorable Kelly! :)

    Mine are so happy that the snow have melted, and have taken to dustbathing frequently. I need to add some more dirt for them. Dirt is their favourite (as well as mulch!).

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    1. Thanks Justine. Mine are LOVING the weather we've been having. We went directly from the cold of winter to the heat of summer (3 months early)!! My girls are loving this summer weather. My human girls are loving it too!!

      Fyi...Sand is great for dust baths too.

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  5. Wonderful Photos! Love this... Thank you for sharing with us non-chicken owners. Humans don't appreciate dust nearly as much as chickens :)

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    1. You are so very welcome. And your right about the human thing. I LOVE watching my Henny Penny's wallow in the dirt, but I don't get very excited when my kids are covered in dirt. Hmmmmmm....LOL!

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  6. You made amazing photoes! Very good quality of these pictures. My dog also like this kind of washing, but I don't allow her for it ;) Greetings for You!

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    1. Thank you Zim. I imagine you don't like your dog enjoying the same as the chickens. I hope your dog is feeling better feeling better!!

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  7. Wow, great photography. Crystal clear...and comical. Would love to hear your thoughts on Orpingtons if you care to add a breed "review" on my educational site - http://www.rightpet.com/Livestock-poultryDetail/orpington-chicken

    Many thanks, Brett

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    1. I'd love to do it Brett. I'll check your site out.

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  8. I am a total chicken newbie. Our babies are still in the brooder, but we are building the coop out in the field. There isn't currently a "sand" source out there. Will they eat the grass away to create a dirt clearing or should we dump a heap of dirt for them to have their dust baths in??
    http://mskatiesartstudio.blogspot.com/2015/01/our-first-flock-bringing-home-baby.html

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