How playing in the dirt makes you happy

Beekissed

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That article also could explain one reason, among many, why animals kept outdoors in their natural environment also seem to be more calm and contented...no matter how many roosters I have on hand, I rarely ever hear a rooster crowing unless it's four dark thirty in the AM, and I never see flock infighting. Maybe it's not so much confinement and large stocking numbers that cause chickens to pick at one another but just the lack of proper bacteria in the soils to which they are exposed. Same could be so with indoor pets that develop obsessive or neurotic behavior patterns.

I always advise folks to put a clod of sod in their chick brooders so that they get that first exposure to their environmental pathogens and can form immunities, but the secondary side effect is that they also seem to never develop abnormal social behaviors such as picking at each other's eyes or picking feathers.
 

journey11

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That article also could explain one reason, among many, why animals kept outdoors in their natural environment also seem to be more calm and contented...no matter how many roosters I have on hand, I rarely ever hear a rooster crowing unless it's four dark thirty in the AM, and I never see flock infighting. Maybe it's not so much confinement and large stocking numbers that cause chickens to pick at one another but just the lack of proper bacteria in the soils to which they are exposed. Same could be so with indoor pets that develop obsessive or neurotic behavior patterns.

I always advise folks to put a clod of sod in their chick brooders so that they get that first exposure to their environmental pathogens and can form immunities, but the secondary side effect is that they also seem to never develop abnormal social behaviors such as picking at each other's eyes or picking feathers.

There should be studies done on that, if there haven't been already. That is a very interesting correlation and it makes sense. As with us, I'm sure the animals also benefit from the fresh air and sunshine (Vitamin D) too, all working together to make for a happier and healthier individual. :)
 

Carol Dee

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Searching for worms.
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Digging in style.
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YEAH a worm!
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Mighty *T* pushing wheelbarrow. (Check his style.) :)
 

Carol Dee

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Best money Grandma's spent lately! I wanted to get 2 but Daddy and Papa said they need to learn to share. Only $29.99 at Menards was on sale for $19.99. :)
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Chickie'sMomaInNH

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do they make an adult version of that? as much as i want a Kubota of New Holland tractor i can afford that kids sized one! and its much easier to store away! :thumbsup
 

Carol Dee

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do they make an adult version of that? as much as i want a Kubota of New Holland tractor i can afford that kids sized one! and its much easier to store away! :thumbsup
I really should have taken the photo of their Daddy trying to sit on it. 70# weight limit! To Funny. Yeah an adult size one would be a best seller. too! ;)
 
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