Is it normal

[bubbazmommy]

for a hen to just stare at you from the nesting box but not move? I thought she was dead but when i jostled the box she looked at me like i was insane. Do I need to do anything???

 

[chickenma]

good question. I would like to know the aswer too.

 

[M@M@2four]

Yes!

She is probaby either trying to lay an egg or has laid an egg...either way she's staying still hoping thinking if she does, you won't see her. Hen's hate to be messed with if they're getting ready to lay or are sitting. They think their camouflaged if they stay real still!

lol

 

[bubbazmommy]

Thank you sooooo much.

 

[Attack Chicken]

I've heard hens can become quite aggressive when their sitting or have chicks. So watch her lol

 

[Portia]

I have a couple nest boxes up on the deck that are used by certain hens. If they are occupied when I walk by the hens usually hunker down as if I won't see them; but they eventually come out when they are done doing whatever it is they think they are (sometimes they don't even lay). These boxes are sometimes in hot contention and 2 or 3 hens will get going early in the morning when another is sitting where they want to be. They sort it all out, but not without a ruckus.
Now, the hens in the coop boxes always give me the stink eye when I find them in there and will frequently puff and/or cackle at me, but they are all pretty harmless...even the 2 broodies. They may peck once and look imposing, but they let me reach right under them without much fuss. I've never seen one of the hens in the coop boxes hunker down like the ones up on the deck do. I find that interesting.

 

[swtangel321]

Sounds cute, also normal !!!!! Funny how chickens think.... hmmm, if I dont move she wont see me and go away, Mine yell at me if I open the door and they are in there boxes laying !!!!!