Bathing Beauties

Why did the chicken(s) cross the road?

To get to the day spa... duh!

Okay, well, it may not be a day spa EXACTLY, but our gals sure do love to pamper themselves in [what else?] a pile of dirt in the corner of one of my raised beds. Aside from devouring juicy bugs, dust bathing is their favorite pastime.

What? You didn't know that chickens take baths? Of course they do! Just not in the water. In fact, water and dampness is really not good for your hens. They always need their henhouse and bedding to be clean and dry, thus avoiding respiratory problems.

So how do our feathered friends clean up? They roll in the dirt. They fluff out their feathers. They puff and preen as dust particles sift deep into their plumage, all the way to their skin. They roll on their backs, spread their wings, and even stick their feet up into the air. Truly, chicken dust bathing is quite a spectacle if you've never witnessed it. See for yourself!

Ahhh! Nothing like dirt to make you feel your freshest.

The only things these So Cal chicks are missing are cucumber slices over their eyes!