d'uccle nesting?

[Sylverfly]

I have a few young d’uccle hens and a rooster and lately one hen in particular has been acting odd. When ever I walk in one area in the coop she runs around making a strange cluck and follows me feathers all puffed up wings slightly up. The past few days she’s been searching outside and inside for something and I’ve noticed her picking up stray pieces of grass and such outside. Today I found what looks like half a small nest with no bottom, grasses, long pieces of wood chips and feathers all weaved together. Is she really making a nest and is this all normal behavior, I’ve never heard of a hen making a nest like a wild bird. Is there anything I should do for her. I would have taken a pic of the “nest” but my camera is dead right now. Thanks

 

[JennsPeeps]

It sounds liek she's going broody on you. If you don't mind, let her go for it. If you do mind, you can steps to break her broodiness.

 

[Sylverfly]

Thanks, I didn't think anyone was going to respond. She's never laid an egg before she's only 4-5 months, is it normal for them to go broody their first time laying or maybe its just because she's with a rooster. Should I let her go broody at such a young age would the eggs even be fertile?

 

[JennsPeeps]

I wouldn't let her go broody at such a young age. If she hunkers down and doesn't budge from the spot, then she's broody. If not, and she's just making a nest for her coming 1st egg, then that's fine. Make sure she has good access to the nesting boxes.

Pullet eggs are good for hatching b/c they're too small to allow enough space for the chick to develop.

 

[Sylverfly]

heres a pic of her and my roo, does she look 4-5 months old, I'm not 100% on either of their ages I've had them at least 4 months, they were pretty big chicks when I got them though, full wing feathers.

 

[Sylverfly]

thanks for the info Jennspeeps maybe I should put a nest box on the ground for her to lay in the ones we have are pretty high up, made more for standard hens.

 

[JennsPeeps]

I don't have d'uccles but would agree with your guesstimate of their ages. Her wattles and comb haven't come in yet, so ~4 months is probably pretty accurate. She could just be a quirky bird, too, which may explain her funny behaviors.

 

[Sylverfly]

thanks for the helpfull answers/info.