Dust Bowl

Thankfully (as far as these two are concerned) our soil is so devoid of organic matter that it dries out very quickly, making the conditions perfect for a dust bath. The hens routinely dig great pits in their attempts to get “clean”, and I have had to fence off several of my beds in order to give the plants a fighting chance. Sometimes I wonder what the heck I was thinking when I decided to share my garden with these chicks, but they derive so much joy from this simple activity that I don’t have the heart to deny them, and have surrendered several prime planting areas to their fowl ways.

The one busy shaking herself off is Pippin‘ (or “eagle bait” as she’s fondly referred to around here). Not only did she survive being grabbed in the head by an eagle in April, but when he came back six weeks later and tried to pick her up by the back, she just shook it off and trotted back to the coop like nothing happened.

With a “pair” like that, I think the girl is entitled to a dust bath or two.