Do your hens do this?

[moorechicks]

We have noticed that when our hens are laying thier eggs they pick up hay and throw it on thier backs. Is this common and why do they do it? Thanks

 

[MiniBeesKnees]

Some of mine do, some don't. I suspect they are trying to hide themselves and it is some instinctive habit.
They stopped that behavior when I switched from straw to pine shavings.
No reason for switching other then just to compare. So far, I like shavings better.

 

[teach1rusl]

Oh yes...lol. My BR will walk outside afterward, and continue to pick up pieces of grass or whatever and toss THAT over her shoulder/onto her back as well. It usually only lasts about a minute or so, then wears off. I assumed it was a flux of hormones released during the egg laying procedure

That was my hypothesis...lol.

 

[Melissakins]

My new mother hen did that a few times when she was out with her babies for a dust bath/scratch/poo fest

I wondered the same thing.

 

[moorechicks]

Well so glad to hear that mine arnt the only ones doing this...

I was thinking maybe mine were taking after me with a OCD..

 

[Buff Hooligans]

It's an instinct - nest "building" or something or other. It's darn cute though.

 

[FarmGirl01]

Mine gather feathers.

 

[moorechicks]

Quote:
How funny is that?!! I would love to see that

 

[FarmGirl01]

I can always tell when they are getting broody. Lots of feathers in the nest box.

 

[silkydragon]

its the chicken version of throwing salt over youre shoulder