Decorating herself?

[James Cherry]

Poopsie, the leader of the pack of 4 hens, and a golden comet did something today I noticed for the first time.

I was getting ready to toss some scratch in the run and of course they all gather around. She picked up bits of grass and tried to set them on her back near the tail three times.

What is going on?

She is very friendly, and if I touch her with my hand or foot, she squats in a submissive stance, and spreads her feathers a little. The other comet does the same.

She'll jump the fence around the run, and come looking for me. Peck at the front door even. Like a puppy dog or cat, follow me everywhere and in the run, always underfoot. I let her out to follow me around the yard where she will explore on her own, but always stays in sight.

 

[georgialee]

My girls do that when they're trying to build a nest... watch out she may go broody on you.

 

[silkiechicken]

My hens do that before and after they lay eggs, some sort of comfort or nest building thing I think.

 

[Sylverfly]

Some of my girls do that when trying to nest someplace they shouldn’t like their trying to hide themselves and their nest. I don’t know the real reason they do it though, it would be interesting to know what they’re doing.

 

[4 luv of eggs]

Maybe a snack for later?

 

[emilysteng]

My hen does that also. Generally after she laid an egg. Some kind of nesting instinct I guess. Here she is doing it: