Observed bahavior

[chickenrunnin]

My americauna is getting ready to lay an egg so I thought I would sit in and watch. She was sitting in her nest and grabbing shavings and pieces of hay from around her and putting them on her back. Other stuff she would nuzzle up next to her. She looked pretty comfortable and like this was routine for her. Any ideas? I have never seen her do this before. I can understand pulling stuff around her for a nest, but on her back?

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

Hens will do this in an attempt to hide themselves just as they would do in the wild. It is perfectly normal. Some do it and some don't.

 

[steve2495]

o i saw my hen do this yesrerday right b4 she layed an egg too!!!! lol

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. My birds have never exhibited that behavior but I have friends who have had birds that put nesting materials on their backs. My nest boxes are kind of dark inside.