Chickens dig holes to create dust baths for grooming, cooling, and parasite control, while laying in them provides comfort and protection.
If you’ve ever watched your chickens scratch and dig holes only to plop down inside them, you’re not alone. This common chicken behavior serves multiple purposes – from cooling off to parasite control. Let’s explore why chickens dig holes and what it means for their health and happiness.
1. Dust Bathing: Nature’s Spa Treatment
Chickens dig holes primarily to create dust baths. This instinctive behavior serves several critical functions:
- Cleans feathers by absorbing oils and dirt
- Controls parasites like mites and lice by clogging their respiratory pores
- Provides mental stimulation and natural grooming behavior
When dust bathing, chickens will:
1. Scratch a shallow depression in dry soil
2. Lay on their sides or backs
3. Fluff feathers to work dust deep into their plumage
4. Shake vigorously when finished
According to poultry experts at Backyard Chickens, this is completely normal behavior that actually keeps chickens cleaner than water baths.
Creating Ideal Dust Bath Areas
To prevent unwanted digging in gardens:
- Designate a dust bath zone with fine sand or dry dirt
- Add wood ash or diatomaceous earth for extra parasite control
- Make it at least 12″ deep and 18″ wide per chicken
2. Temperature Regulation
Chickens lack sweat glands and dig holes to:
| Hot Weather | Cold Weather |
|---|---|
| Expose cooler subsurface soil | Create windbreaks |
| Increase air circulation under feathers | Huddle together for warmth |
This behavior is especially common in breeds like Rhode Island Reds that originated in warmer climates.
3. Nesting Instincts
Even when not broody, hens may:
- Dig shallow scrapes to test potential nest sites
- Create hidden spots to lay eggs (especially if nesting boxes are inadequate)
- Practice maternal behaviors by “arranging” dug-out areas
To discourage unwanted nesting, ensure you have proper nest boxes – one per 4-5 hens.
4. Foraging for Food
Chickens are natural foragers that dig to:
- Unearth insects, worms and larvae (excellent protein sources)
- Find seeds and tender plant roots
- Access mineral-rich soil and grit for digestion
This behavior peaks in early morning and late afternoon when insect activity is highest.
5. Escape Attempts and Exploration
Persistent digging along fences may indicate:
- Boredom from inadequate space or enrichment
- Attempts to reach more interesting areas
- Natural curiosity and exploration
Solutions include:
- Burying hardware cloth 12″ deep along perimeter
- Adding chicken-safe plants for foraging
- Providing hanging treats and dust bath areas
When to Worry About Digging Behavior
While normal, excessive digging may signal:
- Nutritional deficiencies (especially protein)
- Overcrowding in the coop or run
- Parasite infestations driving excessive dust bathing
Monitor your flock’s overall health and consult a vet if digging seems obsessive or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Managing Chicken Digging in Your Yard
To protect landscaping while allowing natural behaviors:
- Create designated digging zones with loose soil
- Use rocks or pavers around prized plants
- Install a predator-proof skirt around runs
- Rotate grazing areas to prevent over-digging
Remember that digging is hardwired chicken behavior. As noted by the Poultry Extension, providing appropriate outlets for these instincts leads to healthier, happier flocks.