Communal dust bathing

Marmite is a determined broody. I lift her out from the nest box each time I go in the run but most of the time she just goes straight back in again whereas Smoke used to have a quick dust bath or food and water or a scratch in the run.

Sunday we were at the allotment from eleven o’clock in the morning until four o’clock in the afternoon. I expect Marmite had been the nest box for the whole time we were away because when I lifted her out, on our return, she actually went off to the run for a dust bath which was good to see.

It wasn’t long before it turned into a communal affair.

A heap of dust bathing girls

It’s a communal affair with Smoke spectating

The girls are having a lovely time

Marmite was the first to leave but did have a quick preening session before returning to the nest box.

Meanwhile Cinnamon perches with the bigger girls

If Cinnamon is not with Dandelion then she will be with the bigger girls. Cinnamon spends all her time with Dandelion and the bigger girls and has nothing to do with the amigos or the silky girls.

Cinnamon dust baths with Dandelion or with the bigger girls but not with the others whereas Dandelion mixes with all the girls. It is interesting to watch the changing dynamics within the flock.