Chicken picking up wood chips and putting them on her back

[catskillmarina]

I had a hen inside today in a cage for a minor egg prolapse. Earlier in the
day she kept picking up wood shavings from the bottom of the cage and
carefully putting them on her back.

Why ?

--- M

 

[CarolynF]

Welcome to BYC!

My girls pick up pieces of straw and do the same thing. It's instinct.

 

[LukensFarms]

It's a nesting behavior. Make sure she isn't trying to itch because of mites. That can be the case sometimes.

 

[catskillmarina]

bathed her today - she was filthy after prolapse. Her skin looked ok.

 

[catskillmarina]

Thank you !