Putting Hay on her own back

[Rietta]

I have a hen I noticed today she kept pick up hay, leaves off the ground and putting them on her own back. It was strange and she seems healthy and normal acting. Any input, or just chicken behavior?

 

[Fishkeeper]

In a specific place? I've heard of hens doing that while working on a nest.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Totally normal behavior for a hen.
It's kind of cute in my opinion.

 

[Rietta]

not in a any place, just walking around as normal, throwing it on herself …

 

[21hens-incharge]

My more broody birds do that wherever a leaf or piece of something sparks their attention.

 

[WindingRoad]

I have a hen I noticed today she kept pick up hay, leaves off the ground and putting them on her own back. It was strange and she seems healthy and normal acting. Any input, or just chicken behavior?

One of my SLW does that. Someone here told me she is trying to camouflage herself. I think maybe a early broody. I can't totally remember what was said. But it's ok. Just chicken behavior. Cute though. Like hay or pine shavings are gonna hide my big Black SLW.. LOL

 

[MissChick@dee]

My RSL does it after she lays a egg. Each step comes with a flick of straw over one wing then the other. It’s like she’s saying “oh yeah look at me”. She’s an adorable goof.

 

[Fishkeeper]

I doubt it's a camouflage thing, I've never heard of any bird that does that.

Sometimes birds just do strange things.

 

[tripletfeb]

My Easter Egger started doing the hay thing too! She is not broody and has laid eggs every day so I just chalked it up to her being weird

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a hen I noticed today she kept pick up hay, leaves off the ground and putting them on her own back. It was strange and she seems healthy and normal acting. Any input, or just chicken behavior?

Not sure exactly why they do it, but I say it's totally normal.
I've seen this behavior in hens while they are laying their egg, while they are making their nest and after laying their egg (outside in the run).
It's something I never get tired of seeing.