Relaxed Farming - our farm in your classroom

Dustbathing is an essential part of the chicken and turkey day (along with preening): the equivalent to the human bath or shower! Dustbathing disturbs the warm places under the feathers where nasty creepy crawlies (lice, mites, etc) may be hiding in order to feed off the bird and/or lay eggs. The dust and dirt dislodges them and also removes any dead bits of skin etc. This is a VERY sociable activity that is often done as a group and it is great fun to watch!