I had no idea that hens would actually build a nest, but I've got one hen who spends alot of time fussing with the straw in the nest box and creates a lovely bowl shape with it. After she lays her egg, she seems to have some trouble breaking out of "nesting mode". She wanders around outside picking up bits of grass and sticks and puts them over her shoulders, for a few minutes before she starts pecking and scratching for food. Is this common? I've never seen any of my other five hens do that. The funny thing is, this is the least "feminine" of all my girls. For awhile I was afraid Harriette was a roo because she is much bigger and heavier that the others, and has a rather fierce, rooster-like face. I'm just curious if anyone else has hens who do this?