Chickens dig in the dirt to search for food, such as insects and seeds, and to engage in natural behaviors like dust bathing for feather maintenance.
If you’ve ever watched chickens scratch and dig in the dirt, you might wonder why they do it. This natural behavior serves several important purposes for your flock. From finding food to staying clean, digging is essential to a chicken’s daily routine.
1. Hunting for Food
Chickens are natural foragers. When they scratch at the ground, they’re searching for tasty morsels like insects, worms, and seeds. This behavior is hardwired into their DNA.
What Chickens Find When Digging
- Protein-rich insects
- Nutritious worms
- Tiny seeds and grains
- Small pebbles for digestion
According to poultry experts, the protein from insects is especially important if chickens aren’t getting commercial feed. The excitement of finding bugs often causes a feeding frenzy among the flock.
2. Taking Dust Baths
One of the most fascinating reasons chickens dig is to create dust baths. This might look messy, but it’s actually how chickens stay clean and healthy.
How Dust Bathing Works
- Chicken digs a shallow depression
- Rolls in the loose dirt
- Works dust through feathers to skin
- Shakes off excess dirt
- Preens remaining feathers
This process serves multiple purposes. The dust absorbs excess oil and moisture while suffocating parasites like lice and mites. It’s nature’s perfect cleaning system.
3. Temperature Regulation
Chickens don’t sweat like humans. On hot days, they dig down to cooler soil to escape the heat. The loose dirt helps them stay comfortable in warm weather.
| Behavior | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Shallow digging | Access cooler soil layers |
| Spreading wings | Increase air circulation |
| Lying in depression | Maximize contact with cool ground |
4. Nesting Instincts
Hens often dig holes when preparing to lay eggs. This nesting behavior comes from their wild ancestors who needed to hide eggs from predators. Some chickens take this to extremes, as seen in cases where chickens dig holes and lay in them.
When Digging Becomes a Problem
While digging is natural, it can sometimes cause issues:
Escape Routes
Persistent digging along fences can create escape paths. To prevent this, bury hardware cloth 12 inches deep around the perimeter.
Garden Destruction
Free-range chickens might dig up your vegetable garden. Consider strategies to protect garden areas while still allowing natural behaviors.
Encouraging Healthy Digging
Provide designated digging areas with loose soil or sand. Add diatomaceous earth to help control parasites. Include wood ash for extra cleaning power.
Remember, digging is normal chicken behavior. As long as they’re safe and not causing damage, let them enjoy this natural activity. It’s part of what makes chickens such fascinating creatures to observe and care for.