G’day fellow chicken enthusiasts! Raising chickens is truly a joyful experience, and as a fellow chicken owner, I can tell you that getting to know their unique behaviours is a big part of the fun. Chickens have a diverse range of behaviours that serve different purposes in their daily lives, from social interactions to self-preservation. In this guide, I'll share some common chicken behaviours that I've observed in my own flock, what they mean, and how you can support your chickens' natural instincts with the right environment and products.
Dust Bathing:
I just love watching my chickens take dust baths! This behaviour helps them keep their feathers clean and healthy by removing excess oil, dirt, and external parasites. You'll often see them scratching the ground, creating a shallow depression, and rolling around in the dirt while flapping their wings.
How I support this behaviour: I provide a dedicated dust bathing area in my chicken run, filled with a mixture of sand, dry soil, and diatomaceous earth. This ensures my chickens have a proper place to indulge in this essential grooming activity.
Suggested Product: A Chicken Dust Bath Kit can make it easy for you to create the perfect dust bathing area for your flock.
Pecking Order:
Chickens have a social hierarchy, commonly referred to as the "pecking order." I've noticed that dominant chickens in my flock assert their authority by pecking or chasing less dominant members. It's essential to keep an eye on this behaviour to ensure that it doesn't escalate into bullying or injury.
How I maintain a healthy pecking order: I make sure there's ample space for my chickens to roam and explore, which minimizes crowding and stress. Additionally, I have enough feeders and waterers to avoid competition for resources.
Roosting:
My chickens love to find elevated places to sleep at night. Roosting provides them protection from predators and a sense of security. This behaviour is vital for their well-being.
How I support roosting: I installed sturdy perches in my chicken coop, placed high enough to provide a sense of safety, but low enough to prevent injury from falls. I also make sure there's enough space for all my chickens to roost comfortably.
Suggested Product: Adjustable Roosting Bars can provide a comfortable and secure roosting space for chickens of all sizes.
Foraging:
One of the best parts of owning chickens is watching them forage. My chickens spend much of their day scratching the ground in search of insects, seeds, and other treats. This behaviour not only keeps them entertained but also contributes to a varied and healthy diet.
How I support foraging: I let my chickens access an outdoor run or free-range area where they can explore and forage. Sometimes, I provide enrichment items like treat balls or hanging vegetables to encourage natural foraging behaviours.
Suggested Product: A Foraging Fun Treat Ball can stimulate your chickens' natural foraging instincts while providing them with a tasty reward.
Broodiness:
I've experienced broody hens, and let me tell you, they can be quite determined! When a hen becomes broody, she'll want to sit on and hatch eggs, even if they're not fertilized. Broody hens may become aggressive and spend most of their time in the nesting box, neglecting their own needs.
How I manage broodiness: If I'm not planning to hatch eggs, I break the broody cycle by discouraging nesting behaviour. I do this by removing the hen from the nesting box, providing a separate space with no nesting materials, and ensuring she gets enough exercise and social interaction.
Conclusion:
Getting to know and understand your chickens' natural behaviours is an essential part of raising a happy and healthy flock. By providing the right environment, resources, and stimulation, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the company of content and thriving chickens. Don't hesitate to explore a variety of chicken-keeping products that can help you create the perfect environment for your feathery friends. Remember, the more you understand and support their instincts, the more harmonious your backyard flock will be. So, happy chicken keeping, and feel free to share your experiences and insights with fellow chicken lovers!