Hen pretending to be broody but she's not.

[mrsmaonaigh]

Ever since some of the other hens have gone broody, my alpha hen is acting like she is broody too. But she's not. She's still laying and doing business as normal. When she is in the nesting box she does the cover stance and squawks at us. When we pass her in the yard she fluffs up and does the velociraptor growl at us. Is she being protective of the other broodys or is she just confused? Its funny to watch.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Sounds like she's thinking about being broody.

 

[Mama Hen Chris]

That sounds exactly what my GLW was doing yesterday. I wasn't sure what was going on with her. She puffs up, looking twice as large and grunts. I thought she was ill as my other girls would peck at her as she walked by. I am always learning something new on BYC!

 

[kittycooks]

Is she getting ready to lay an egg? I have seen that with hens that are mature enough to know they are going to lay and have the patience to go and sit it out instead of pacing about.

 

[hennyannie]

My RIR is doing the fake broody. She is usually so friendly but lately she is screeching at us and wont give up the eggs!