You may be concerned the first time you see a chicken take a dust bath…it can definitely look unusual.
No, they are not having a seizure or tantrum. Dust baths are how chickens keep clean…What??? Sounds a little bit backwards, right? Chickens use dirt and dust to coat their skin, which in turn, helps keep pests and parasites off. A proper dust bath is usually followed by a preening session, in which the chickens peck at their “preen” gland just above the tail, which releases oil they use to coat their feathers. Of course, before this begins, you want to stand clear, because all that dirt they now have under layers, and layers of feathers, will be shaken off…imagine a dog shaking off water, but worse, and with dirt! Definitely want to steer clear of the “splash” zone, if you know what I mean!
