Why Do Chickens Dig Holes?

Chickens digging holes is a common behavior that sometimes puzzles chicken owners. However, it’s important to understand the reasons behind this natural chicken activity. In this article, we’ll explore the main causes of chicken hole digging and what you can do about it.

Common Reasons for Chicken Hole-Digging

There are several instincts and needs that cause chickens to dig holes:

Dust Bathing

One of the most common reasons chickens dig holes is to create a dust bathing area. Chickens take frequent dust baths to clean their feathers and skin and reduce parasites and excess oil.

To prepare for a dust bath, chickens will dig shallow pits in loose, dry dirt or sand. They will then squat or roll in the hole to expose their skin and feathers to dust. The dirt absorbs oil and parasites on their skin.

After their dust bath, chickens will stand up and shake off the loose dust. They often fluff their feathers to allow the dust to penetrate fully.

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Nesting

Chicken hens dig holes to create nests for egg-laying. The nest provides protection and insulation for the eggs.

Hens often dig their nests in secluded, covered areas with loose dirt or litter. They use their beaks and feet to dig a shallow bowl-shaped pit roughly 6-8 inches deep.

You may notice your hen secreting herself away to dig her nest before laying her eggs. The digging and nesting instinct will be strongest when she’s ready to lay.

Foraging

Chickens also dig to forage for food. Chickens are omnivores and will eat worms, insects, seeds and plant matter in addition to pellets and grain.

Digging in the soil allows chickens to unearth worms, grubs and other small invertebrates for protein. They also scratch and dig through leaves, mulch or the garden to search for edible seeds, shoots and plants.

This natural foraging behavior allows chickens to supplement their usual diet. It provides mental stimulation and enriches their environment.

Avoiding Predators

Chickens have a strong prey drive but are also vulnerable to predators like foxes, raccoons, hawks and snakes. Digging holes allows them to create hiding spots to feel protected.

Chickens may dig small dips under garden debris, bushes or the coop to quickly take cover if they sense danger. Having an “escape hole” gives them a sense of safety and security in their environment.

Thermoregulation

Digging holes can also help chickens regulate their body temperature during hot summer months.

Chickens do not sweat like humans. Instead, they dig down into cooler earth to dissipate heat. The loose dirt also allows air circulation under their feathers to cool them down.

You may notice your flock digging more holes during heat waves or warm seasons to stay comfortable.

Boredom and Foraging Instinct

Sometimes frequent hole digging is a result of boredom or stress, rather than a specific need. Chickens prevented from foraging or with inadequate mental stimulation may dig holes excessively or create damage in the garden.

In these cases, it’s important to provide an enriched environment to satisfy their natural behaviors. Make sure they have ample space, foraging material and activities in their run.

Preventing Unwanted Hole-Digging

While digging is natural chicken behavior, you may want to limit holes dug in the garden or yard. Here are some tips:

• Provide separate designated areas for dust bathing, foraging and nesting to limit spread-out digging.
• Maintain loose, dry dirt or sand pits for dust baths away from the garden.
• Restrict access to garden beds and lawn areas prone to digging damage.
• Provide separate enclosed nest boxes to discourage hens from digging nests in the open run.
• Clip wings to prevent chickens from roaming and digging where they shouldn’t.
• Place tempting foods like greens or grubs in a covered box in their run to divert foraging from garden.
• Add enrichment activities like pecking blocks and fresh forage to prevent boredom.
• Use wire fencing or landscape fabric to block access to already dug holes.
• Gently discourage digging in unwanted areas and provide an alternative spot.

When to Be Concerned About Chicken Hole-Digging

While most hole digging is normal, excessive or abnormal digging may signal an underlying issue:

• Sudden excessive digging paired with stress or anxiety could indicate a predator threat or environmental change. Look for sources of fear.
• If one chicken is isolated and digging holes frequently, she may be being bullied by the flock. Check for signs of stress or injury.
• Chickens digging daily in the same area may have a pest infestation in the soil, such as beetles or larvae. Inspect the area.
• Digging near the walls of the coop may be a sign of a rodent infestation. Check for signs of pests and seal entry points.
• If digging disrupts the flock’s normal routine, it could reflect boredom or nutritional deficiencies. Enrich their environment.
• Damage to garden plants or the coop foundation may require reinforcing fences or restricting access.

Final Thoughts

Overall, hole digging is a natural and healthy activity for chickens. While you may need to limit digging in some areas, it’s important not to punish or prevent chickens from exhibiting their normal behaviors. Providing designated digging pits and stimulating foraging activities will allow your flock to meet their needs. Keep an eye out for excessive or anxious digging behavior that may require intervention. By understanding the motivations behind this instinct, you can maintain a happy, stimulated and secure flock.

Adreena Shanum

Welcome. I’m Adreena Shanum, the proud owner of this website, and I am incredibly passionate about animals, especially poultry. I founded adreenapets.com as a labor of love, stemming from my desire to share my knowledge and experiences with poultry enthusiasts worldwide.