Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ponypoor]

Diana and Maggie are three years old (at least I believe so).
They are celebrating by doing their favorite things.

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Awwwww

So lovely!

 

[Ponypoor]

More bad news for today. Cost of the fuel I need (AV-Gas) $5.55 gal

Disgusted tax: View attachment 3011101

What's that per litre? I filled my truck it was half full, it cost me $117.00 just about fainted.... That's over $200 to fill up Ol Blue

 

[Shadrach]

So dust bath do not get rid of parasites? What is its purpose in your mind?

It's not something that is in my mind; it's a fact. Read just about any well informed paper on chickens and it will tell you much the same. Chickens dust bath to soak up the oil they secrete that conditons their feathers and skin.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/why-chickens-bath-in-dust-and-not-in-water.74441/

 

[Ponypoor]

So dust bath do not get rid of parasites? What is its purpose in your mind?

Having watched many many different species rolling and wallowing, it is likely that the dirt absorbs oils that accumulates on the skin, hair and feathers.

Also the dirt would dry creating an inhospitable environment for molds and fungi, for instance ring-worm isn't a worm but a fungal infection also called rain-rot in horses. But humans can also get ring-worm (fungal infection) in the form of athletes foot, jock itch and the like.

By rolling / dust bathing, the dirt absorbing oils and creates a drying effect.

This drying effect also helps to keep fur and feathers dry and fluffy and insulating against cold and wet.

That's my thoughts for what it's worth.

It could also just be that it feels darn tootin good and has no real practical reason. Just because a species does something doesn't mean it has to have any more reason than to feel good, be part of a social activity (like drinking booze haha), and the chicken equivalent of a party!

 

[Ponypoor]

It's not something that is in my mind; it's a fact. Read just about any well informed paper on chickens and it will tell you much the same. Chickens dust bath to soak up the oil they secrete that conditons their feathers and skin.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/why-chickens-bath-in-dust-and-not-in-water.74441/

Was just mentioning this

 

[BY Bob]

So dust bath do not get rid of parasites? What is its purpose in your mind?

Dust bathing removes the old oils from their feathers so that they can keep them fresh. They can then preen and replace the older oils with fresh.

 

[Ponypoor]

Have been getting interesting eggs this past week, all from my two youngsters I am betting.

After the soft egg the other day, today I found a partly soft egg today in the alleyway, it was even still warm! When I picked it up it seemed to have this extremely thin hard coating that was very fragile and crackled when I picked it up.

But this coating wasn't all over the soft membrane and the blunt end didn't have any coating and one can clearly see the yolk. It is truly amazing to behold.

It's perfectly shaped, and for all intents and purposes a fully formed egg.

 

[featherhead007]

Dust bathing removes the old oils from their feathers so that they can keep them fresh. They can then preen and replace the older oils with fresh.

So it’s basically an oil change?

 

[BY Bob]

Fair enough. But cows have feelings, too.
I'll slink away now...

The way cows advertise for people to eat chicken I never feel sorry eating them.

 

[BY Bob]

Diana and Maggie are three years old (at least I believe so).
They are celebrating by doing their favorite things.

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Happy Hatchday ladies!