Ammonia smell in coop-first time owner

[MaxBaz]

Several times have heard the girls make the most wonderful purring noise as they are dustbathing - their little eyes are closed and they are rubbing the back of their heads in the dust lost in their own little world.

 

Yesterday though one of them was simply sitting on her perch in the run in the sun watching the world go by when she made the sound.

 

I had presumed it was a noise of contentment, now I'm wondering - is it a growl rather than a purr and she had spotted something, and the "purr" in the dustbath is actually telling off the other chook for kicking soil in her face.

 

What do you all think - Purr or Growl?

[chickencam]

Purr definately, they make the same noise when they are sleeping and egg laying - this last one may be growling though

[Ms Tilytinkle]

aw its such an adorable sound, in my humble opinion: definitely purring ( )

exquisitely purring too!!! Always seems to be when you tickle/stroke them, when they're crouching or being broody & just mega content dust bathing in the sunshine.

Happy chooks

 

Ms Tilyshusbandsittinginsunshineonmychickenwatch/foxwatch

[Egluntyne]

They love to luxuriate in a patch of dust....and I'm sure you are right.....they are purring.

[Rhapsody]

Before I planted up the greenhouse beds, the Grand Finale to my Hen Parties was to let the chooks invade and dustbath, then the students would listen entranced to the purring and watch the bliss....

[Nature Chick]

Oh my god, I am glad it is not just me that loves that sound - makes me feel all funny!

Mine do it when sunbathing but also they found their way into a stable where we used to live which had a deep straw bed - lots of purring!!!

 

After my traumatic move I let the girls out and one of them started purring after finding some soil to bathe in - it made me feel so much better about everything, I like to think it is when they are content!!!

[themoomin]

I reckon they are growling myself - my Pepperpot Chicken Kiev always looks really mean when she makes that sound!!

[Smiler]

Its a lovely sound, it makes me think of the saying 'happy days'