During the Egg Song

[The Tiny Homestead]

So we are all familiar with the Egg Song, but one thing I've always noticed is that when my hens come out of the coop singing their egg some, they also go around picking up leaves and other objects and throwing them on their backs, or behind them as they walk. I suppose I could google the behaviour, but I was curious to see what people say here.

 

[alinas2010]

So we are all familiar with the Egg Song, but one thing I've always noticed is that when my hens come out of the coop singing their egg some, they also go around picking up leaves and other objects and throwing them on their backs, or behind them as they walk. I suppose I could google the behaviour, but I was curious to see what people say here.

I wondered this for quite a while before I googled it, also lol apparently it is to try to camouflage themselves. Something that is somewhat instinctive, to try to blend in with their surroundings after (or during/before) laying an egg and then attracting all that attention via song to themselves. They’re not very good at blending in, though, are they?

 

[CashewVulture]

Mine do that too. I think it’s just a reflex. They just finished laying an egg so their “need to make the nest” instinct kicks in. They do it in the nesting boxes too. They’re just trying to make their nest look good and round for the eggs.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think it's a camouflaging instinct (either for themselves or the nest, or both) but they don't all do it. I haven't seen any of my hens do it in quite a while.