Food stomping

[Giulia]

My beloved young RIR hen, Nancy, sits on my shoulder every night and watches a movie (often falling asleep) before I put her to bed in her box. (we live in a van). Aside from being very needy (she wants me to pre-chew a little snack for her), she often will stomp one foot. What is she trying to say?

 

[HuffleClaw]

What I think she’s trying to say is that she wants to be outdoors. You say you’re living in a van? So that means she doesn’t have much room to roam around and be a chicken. Try taking her outside (supervised) and see if that helps

 

[HuffleClaw]

Also, what is her main diet? Chewing up snacks for chickens isn’t required and is very unsanitary.

 

[Giulia]

She free ranges all day, every day, unless it's pouring rain. She can choose to come in and out of the van at will. I have a very large fencing setup that surrounds the van and about 200 Sq. Ft. of foraging area.I never leave her alone and she goes with me and my dog everywhere. So she's a very happy and healthy chicken. I was just wondering if any of you knew what foot stomping means

What I think she’s trying to say is that she wants to be outdoors. You say you’re living in a van? So that means she doesn’t have much room to roam around and be a chicken. Try taking her outside (supervised) and see if that helps

 

[azygous]

Foot stomping is not one of the ways chickens communicate, so I doubt she's doing this to "send a message". A chicken will communicate mainly with their beak, using specific vocals as a close second.

Stomping a foot may mean there's something caked on the foot they find uncomfortable and they will attempt to dislodge it by stomping the foot or shaking it.

It can also mean discomfort from parasites such as scaly leg mites. If you examine the scales on the legs and feet and find they are separating and lifting up instead of being flush with the leg, you can assume leg mites are present and need treating with castor oil or Vaseline.

There is also an outside chance of an injury to the bottom of the foot. Inspect for black scabs and swelling on the pads. If you see any, the feet will need treatment for possible infection from staph bacteria. There can also be a chance of a broken or hanging nail which can be quite painful.