Chickens were digging a hole, and laying on top of it. What is this? Was it nesting for egg laying?

[matiportnoy]

Today, I let my chickens free range for a couple of hours while I watched over them. During this time, they went into a shaded/ cozy area of bushes and started to dig a hole. They ¨sat¨ in it and kept digging. Their feathers were spiky and their beaks were open. They were also making a few noises. They did this for about 1 hour. I thought they were going to lay an egg. However, at one point they got up, and just started to walk around again. I had never seen them do this. What was it?

 

[matiportnoy]

I don't know where you are located, but some chickens don't lay as much in the winter, especially if it's really cold! Maybe they are also getting used to their new environment....I wish the best of luck to you! Hopefully your girls will be blessing you with some yummy eggs very soon!

I am located in Puerto Rico. So cold weather is not really a concern for me. I hope so too! Thanks for all your help!!

 

[WVduckchick]

Nice to see that you did get eggs, and pretty little eggs they are! Congrats!

 

[gachickenchick]

They layed eggs!!!!! I got 2 on Sunday, 2 on Tuesday, and 1 today!! Thanks for all the advice here is a pic:

Congrats!

 

[gachickenchick]

Hi there! It sounds like they may have been taking a dust bath! It looks a little strange when you see it for the first time. Were they digging and kicking the dirt into their feathers?

 

[matiportnoy]

Hi there! It sounds like they may have been taking a dust bath! It looks a little strange when you see it for the first time. Were they digging and kicking the dirt into their feathers?

Yes! That is exactly what they were doing. So I guess this has nothing to do with egg laying?

 

[gachickenchick]

Yes! That is exactly what they were doing. So I guess this has nothing to do with egg laying?

No, sorry - not in my case! They will find a spot that they like to bathe in regularly. This is a good thing and they need to do this to clean themselves. How old are your hens?

 

[matiportnoy]

No, sorry - not in my case! They will find a spot that they like to bathe in regularly. This is a good thing and they need to do this to clean themselves. How old are your hens?

Well I only got them about 3 days ago. The previous owner told me they were about 1-1.5 years old. But she didn't seem to be sure...

 

[gachickenchick]

Well I only got them about 3 days ago. The previous owner told me they were about 1-1.5 years old. But she didn't seem to be sure...

I don't know where you are located, but some chickens don't lay as much in the winter, especially if it's really cold! Maybe they are also getting used to their new environment....I wish the best of luck to you! Hopefully your girls will be blessing you with some yummy eggs very soon!

 

[gachickenchick]

I am located in Puerto Rico. So cold weather is not really a concern for me. I hope so too! Thanks for all your help!!

You are very welcome!