Hens putting sticks on their backs?!

[AliceGee]

I currently have two broody silkies and every time they get off the nest they'll do their thing eat, drink, drop their broody bombs!! Etc. but I've noticed this time and previous times they've been on eggs they'll pick up sticks, leaves etc anything they find in the yard and put them on their backs before heading back to their nests?? They're not too bright though because they'll always fluff up and have a shake right before they get back in so most times they'll just shake it off and go back to their nest, sometimes they'll get so more on their backs though before they go. Has anyone seen this behaviour before? Or know what the purpose of it is, I thought they could be trying to bring things to add to their nest as extra nesting material even though they've got plenty of shavings but I'm not really sure??
Thanks!!

 

[TheChips]

My hen does that when she is in the process of laying an egg. Sometimes the rooster will assist her. Sometimes he takes them off her while shes putting them back on!
They do this to camouflage themselves. Its very cute because as big as they are, we can still see them

 

[evemfoster]

Geese do this when they are building their nests. They will thread grass stems through their feathers and bring them back to their nests. Then shake the grass out beside the nests not inside it. Then later they will arrange the grass around the nests placing every stem very carefully one at a time.

 

[krista74]

Yep, I agree with everyone else. I have 2 BO pullets and 4 RIR pullets, and they all try and bury themselves with bits of hay while they are laying. It is very cute when you walk in and find them in their nesting boxes peeking out of their hay stacks!

Krista

 

[AliceGee]

Thanks a lot guys! Anyone whoever says chickens are boring have obviously never had them! haha they could keep me entertained for hours!

 

[TheChips]

I agree. They're so entertaining and such a pleasure. My favorite part about having chickens is when my isa browns want to sit and cuddle with me. They nestle their necks between my shoulder and cheek I call them chicken hugse