My hen puts straw on her back after laying an egg. Why?

[Granolamom]

My little BR hen, Sophie, just started laying yesterday, and today I got to watch her while she was doing it. When she was finished laying (I was surprised, because it only took her about 15 minutes), she got out of the nest and starting grabbing straw and depositing it on her back. She did this for quite a while, and I've never heard of this behaviour before. Do they all do it? Perhaps this is some leftover "nesting behaviour"?

 

[Mikeeeeeeeeee]

My BR's do it while they are laying.
Hillarious.

 

[chick2good4u]

I have one girl that does it when she lays and often gets up with it still there.

 

[msgenie516]

Hi,

I noticed two of my hens always play with the straw while they are laying. I never noticed it on their backs, but it could be. I guess just one of those crazy things chickens will do! Genie

 

[banter]

She is hiding her egg, but is misdirected!

 

[chickenbottom]

idk but its cute and i like it lol

 

[Reinbeau]

I've seen my BRs and RIRs do the same thing, silly girls!

I figured it was a feeble attempt at hiding the eggs.

 

[buckeye lady]

She's trying to camoflauge herself so you can't see her. She doesn't want you to steal her egg.

 

[Wildsky]

a few of my girls do that while they're still in the nest box. its so cute

 

[andehens]

I love it when they sit there and decorate themselves!! its soooo cute!