Hen covering herself with shavings

[Badhbh]

I think it's just one of those weird chicken things. I've seen mine do it too. It's like they think it's going to help if they chuck bedding at their rear

 

[rooster-red]

Quote:
They are trying to camouflage themselves because they are most vulnerable when laying.

It has nothing to do with temp, broodiness or dust batheing.

Don't worry, its normal chicken behavior.

 

[eggzettera]

Quote:

But really do you actually know that is doesn't?

 

[debilorrah]

Mine all kick up sucha fuss when they have to lay an egg and soemtimes it takes them all day to do it!!!. I can hear them inside the house!!

 

[miss_jayne]

she's 'feathering' her nest. they pic out weird stuff and attempt to carry it to their nests. it is a hoot to watch.

 

[cmom]

I have never seen my birds do that. Maybe it's something like dusting?

 

[maco5]

I guess it is a nesting thing according to all of your replies!

The coop isn"t cold inside.
I am in california south of San Francisco, so it has been in the 60's.

It was funny to watch, and the other hen was watching her like she was trying to figure out what was happening!

 

[sunnydee]

My girls also put shavings on their back when nesting. But mine do it one piece at a time, throws one piece to the left side, another piece to the right side. I think mine are trying to get the pieces to the back area where the egg is going to come out.

 

[miss_jayne]

my layers go and collect feathers of OTHER chickens to feather their nests with also. so funny...my black chickens feather their nests with barred rock feathers!

maybe they are trying to trick me!

 

[UrbanChickenMama]

I think the camouflage answer was brilliant and probably dead on.