Is this normal?

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

DH gave me sawdust from some of his projects for the nesting boxes last week. I noticed one of the pullets picks up the sawdust and throws on her back after she finishes laying her egg. I have witnessed her doing this at least twice but have not seen any other of the girls doing it. Normal??

 

[TigerLilly]

Does she shake it off? Sounds like she's using it for a dust bath. Does she have access to dirt? I'm still new at this, so I could be way off...

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Sounds like she's getting broody. A broody hen will pick up straw & arrange it around them for a nest & will also put it on their back.

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

Our run is sand...they have BIG dust bath area

No, did not see her shake it off...in fact I think the few pieces that she threw on her back were still there when she jumped down from the nest box.

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

She is a red sex link...had read they don't go broody. Hmmm, interesting...no roo so no fertile eggs.

 

[Matt A NC]

I use hay in nests and several do the same thing. It is normal. Those that are going broody are even worse about it and will stick the pieces of hay into their feathers. I have seen one of my cochin girls come out with a couple dozen pieces of hay sticking out here and there. Bad hair(feather) day or been rolling in the hay with one of the Roosters?

Matt

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

 

[Lovable Chicks]

I use shavings and I think all my girls that are laying throw it over their backs. They also dig in the shavings, moving all the shavings away and laying on the box itself.

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

So glad I asked...will be watching for girls who have sawdust in their feathers. I may have to find some fertile eggs...then tell DH that we need another coop.

They have kicked all the pine shavings out of the nest boxes so I added grass clippings...those have just about disappeared, too. Thus far the sawdust is the only thing they have left in the large nest box.

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

sometimes it is because they are feeling broody. i've noticed it as a way to 'hide' themselves. sort of like a (sea) hermit crab will try to decorate it's shell.