Chickens scratch the ground to forage for food, such as seeds and insects, and to engage in natural behaviors essential for their well-being.
Chickens scratching the ground is one of their most natural behaviors. This instinctive action serves multiple purposes – from finding food to social bonding. Understanding why chickens scratch helps owners create better environments for their flocks.
1. Foraging for Food
Scratching is primarily a foraging behavior. Chickens use their feet to uncover:
- Insects like beetles and worms
- Seeds and grains
- Small plants and vegetation
Even when provided with commercial feed, chickens will still scratch. This instinct comes from their wild ancestors who needed to work for every meal. The foraging instinct is so strong that chicks will start scratching within hours of hatching.
How They Forage
Chickens typically:
- Peck at the ground first to test the area
- Step forward and scratch backward with one foot
- Alternate feet while moving forward
Research suggests they often start with their right foot, as the left brain hemisphere (controlling the right side) is better at identifying food.
2. Creating Dust Baths
Scratching helps chickens prepare their dust baths – an essential part of feather maintenance. They scratch to:
- Loosen dirt to create bathing spots
- Mix in additives like wood ash
- Find the perfect dust consistency
Dust baths help control parasites and keep feathers clean. Chickens may spend hours preparing the perfect spot, as explained in our article on why chickens dig holes.
3. Nest Preparation
Hens scratch to create comfortable nesting areas. This behavior serves to:
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape the nest | Creates a depression to hold eggs |
| Add bedding | Mixes in grass and feathers |
| Position eggs | Ensures proper incubation placement |
Even roosters may demonstrate this behavior to show hens potential nesting sites.
4. Social Bonding
Scratching is a social activity that helps chickens:
- Establish flock hierarchy
- Strengthen relationships
- Communicate food sources
According to poultry behavior experts, chickens prefer to scratch with certain flock mates, showing social preferences similar to human friendships.
5. Nail Maintenance
Regular scratching helps keep chicken nails at proper length. In natural environments, this prevents overgrowth that could:
- Make walking difficult
- Cause foot injuries
- Interfere with perching
For confined chickens, owners may need to trim nails if scratching opportunities are limited.
When Scratching Becomes a Problem
While natural, excessive scratching can cause issues:
Garden Destruction
Chickens can quickly uproot plants. Solutions include:
- Designated chicken runs
- Garden fencing
- Supervised free-ranging
Feather Damage
Over-scratching may lead to feather loss. This differs from the natural molting process and may indicate stress or boredom.
Encouraging Healthy Scratching
Provide good scratching opportunities with:
- Loose soil or sand areas
- Scratch grains scattered in bedding
- Rotating pasture access
Understanding this fundamental chicken behavior helps owners create better living conditions. As noted by poultry specialists, scratching is essential for physical and mental chicken health.