Funny hen behavior

[jaybud]

So I noticed my sex link hen this morning grabbing straw from the nesting box. She was standing outside of it and rubbing the straw on her back for a few seconds then dropping. Kept doing this repeatedly for a while. Wonder what that was all about.

 

[Peeps61]

How old is your hen? She might be thinking of making her own nest elsewhere. I've seen mine do this, but they usually give it up and just get in the nesting box when the time comes.

 

[jaybud]

She is about 10 months old

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Many of my hens will put bedding on themselves as they sit in the nestboxes. It's more common in younger hens. I've also seen them continue this behavior after getting off the nest. I assume it's meant to cover the eggs and hide them, but not every hen has the instincts to do it right.

 

[lazy gardener]

I think that's such an endearing behavior!

 

[Peeps61]

Thanks Jaybud. I agree with the other posters - her youth probably has more to do with it than anything. It's instinct to make a nest and arrange it just so. She's practicing or perfecting her egg laying/nest building skills.

 

[jaybud]

Funny to hear others seeing the same thing

 

[chickens really]

So I noticed my sex link hen this morning grabbing straw from the nesting box. She was standing outside of it and rubbing the straw on her back for a few seconds then dropping. Kept doing this repeatedly for a while. Wonder what that was all about.

My Hens do it to.....I have long pine needles that they pick up and rub on themselves.....It is normal...I never thought of it...?

Just Chickens, being Chickens.......


Cheers!