Nest Builder

[rabbifrank]

I have a young RIR (Given to me so I do not know her age.) She gets along well with the other 5 hens.

She has begun to nest, building beautiful swirling nests from pine straw and pine shavings. She sits on the eggless nest for hours. When I get near her to check her out she pecks me pretty good and begins to cackle. She will leave the nest for a drink and food but returns.

Is she getting prepared to lay eggs? Is nesting a common practice for hens that have no eggs?

Thanks for any insight. I am reading everything I can about broody hens but no specific answer to these questions.

Thanks

Frank

 

[GrannySue]

My 1 yr old Australorp has been sitting on a nest for 5 days now. She probably thought she'd laid a clutch to sit on. Now that she's broody she sits on that nest day and night. No eggs, but try ro tell that to a broody!

 

[rabbifrank]

Thanks, Granny.

Raising hens is a new experience for us and I just thought it very peculiar behavior but probably very fowl-like to pine for a clutch of eggs.

I am sure she is still checking out the new digs of her Chick Inn and she might be a little 'sidetracked'.

I do appreciate your insight.