Hen "decorating" herself after laying :)

[DustyDivas]

My lovely White Leghorn, Marshmallow, has started a new habit the last few days... right after laying her egg in the morning, she comes out of the coop and selects particular pieces of straw to place on her back/saddle feathers.
Not sure why she has started this, not worried about it at all, it's odd but cute/funny, but wondered if anyone else has hens doing this too.
My assumption is that she can feel a cold patch from where she has been moulting, as she forgets about it after a few seconds and gets distracted.

Anyone else seen this?

☺

 

[nuthatched]

I've seen hens do it in the nest box but not outside, I'm not sure why they do it.

 

[CHlCKEN]

My lovely White Leghorn, Marshmallow, has started a new habit the last few days... right after laying her egg in the morning, she comes out of the coop and selects particular pieces of straw to place on her back/saddle feathers.
Not sure why she has started this, not worried about it at all, it's odd but cute/funny, but wondered if anyone else has hens doing this too.
My assumption is that she can feel a cold patch from where she has been moulting, as she forgets about it after a few seconds and gets distracted.

Anyone else seen this?

☺

That’s really strange. I’ve never seen or heard of this.

 

[ScratchNbawk]

I’ve seen 2 of mine do this, I have no idea why. Hopefully someone knows.
They occasionally walk around after laying, picking up feathers and tossing them on/over their backs. Only with feathers they find.

 

[DustyDivas]

That’s really strange. I’ve never seen or heard of this.

Yeah, was very cute to watch ☺

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Mine do it too, I think to try to hide well they are on the nest but that is just me.

 

[aart]

Mine do it too, I think to try to hide well they are on the nest but that is just me.

Yes.
It's an instinctual attempt at 'camouflage'.
I've seen them do it before laying, after laying, and standing at the edge of the nest and pull bedding out of nest to put on their backs or just drop on the floor.

 

[DustyDivas]

Yes.
It's an instinctual attempt at 'camouflage'.
I've seen them do it before laying, after laying, and standing at the edge of the nest and pull bedding out of nest to put on their backs or just drop on the floor.

Interesting ☺
My smallest Bantam Araucana often comes out of the coop completely covered in nesting material, gets nice and close to the others and has a good shake all over them She is my funniest girl!