Behavior, after egglaying.

[Royd]

My hens have only been laying, for a couple of weeks, now, and in observing them, in notice the strange behavior, of picking up grass or leaves, and tossing it on their backside, after laying, or attempting to lay.....It's the cutest thing, but I just wonder what the significance is....Any animal behaviorists out there, got a clue?

 

[Mahonri]

It's part of "nest making" so that when they stand up either just before or after laying the bits and pieces fall around them and either make a softer landing for the egg or a nicer spot for the egg to sit.

 

[Royd]

Quote:
Thanks. I thought maybe they were just patting themselves on the back.

 

[twistedpickle]

My birds yell like crazy after laying, HEY LOOK AT WHAT I DID !!! If I don't go get the eggs at that moment my buff will keep yelling. very funny to see/hear.