Why Chickens Get Dirty to Stay Clean

Anyone who has chickens knows that each one has its own personality. Some might be especially vocal, while others are shy or curious. The one thing they all have in common is their cleaning habits, which, surprisingly, includes dirt, as seen in this post by @panoramagardenestate. It might seem like these chickens are making themselves dirtier, but it’s one of their most hygienic behaviors.

A Little Dirt Never Hurt Anyone

This sentiment couldn’t be truer for chickens and many other animals. Known as “dust bathing,” this instinctive behavior serves many purposes for outdoor animals. The benefits for chickens are numerous, and experts actually encourage dust baths. When chickens roll in the dirt, tiny grains help exfoliate their skin. This is similar to humans using a clay mask or any other type of exfoliating product to get rid of dry, dead skin. For animals with feathers, this keeps everything clean and healthy and helps them shed excess oil.

Dust baths are also powerful tools for combatting parasites. Chickens are vulnerable to mites and lice, and dirt helps create an unfavorable environment. Dust is a natural deterrent for external parasites, which struggle to cling to a chicken’s feathers if they’re dirty. While it might seem counterintuitive, it’s actually the best thing a chicken can do for its skin health.

Rolling In the Dirt Is Just Plain Fun

Skin health aside, dust baths are something that chickens genuinely enjoy! The dirt offers a cool alternative to sitting in the sun on hot days. In flocks, dirt becomes a toy they play in with others. The movement often draws small insects from the ground when flocks participate in dust baths. Therefore, the dust baths serve the dual purpose of keeping chickens clean while they snack on dust bath bugs. The activity even creates strong social bonds, which are important among flocks.

Bathing in dirt has also been shown to induce relaxation in chickens. Between the exfoliant in the form of dirt and relief from itching or hot temperatures, chickens are happier with than without them. To create a dust bath at home, it’s recommended to use organic materials like wood ash, natural soil, charcoal, and even herbs for freshness and natural bug repellent. You can mix a DIY dust bath in a large box or lay it out in a shady spot for the chickens to find.