We have a couple new to us hens (7 weeks old) and we haven't seen either take a dust bath. It's been colder out/not a lot of sun. Is this something that takes a little time for them to get comfortable and do? We have a bath set up in the coop and the coop floor is dirt, but no takers yet...any thoughts on how to encourage this? Also, whats the best flooring for a coop? We're worried our dirt is a little too clay-like.
Hello, I have enjoyed my hens and coop from Dare 2 Dream since 2017. They are nice egg-layers as well. I am concerned about Goldie, the sex-link, who just sits on her hocks most of the day. She will take a few steps and then sit down and does not go up/down the ramp. She was getting picked on, so now she is separated and is brought in to the house at night. She is skinny despite eating. I am providing TLC and after a month, brought her to the vet. He really couldn't tell what was wrong with her w/o blood work and scans. Her poop tested normal and she does not have lice or mites. I added B complex to her diet a few days ago. Do you have any idea what this could be? Thank you for your knowledge.
Hello! Welcome to the forum! Dust bathing is an instinctual behavior, but some chickens develop it sooner than others. If they're still new (and young), they may just be taking the time to settle in and get comfortable in their new home before having a day out at the spa ;) Warm, dry, and dusty earth is the best. If it's been cold, it may be too chilly or moist to take a dust bath. If you feel the need to modify the ground, you can use river sand or any other non-homogenized sand. You can also add wood ash, or diatomaceous earth to their dust bath to help them keep external parasites away.
Looks like they are getting settled and we've witnessed a few bathing sessions. Thank you!