putting twigs on their back

[gioiosani]

My hens put twigs or grass on their back just before or after they lay their eggs, does anyone know why do they do this?

 

[Mahonri]

Perhaps they think it will hide the egg when they get off of the next! (Joke)

I've noticed mine pick up pieces of stuff to build up the nest when they are getting ready to lay, maybe that's what they are doing.

 

[Uppity Peon]

Interesting... they must have an instinct to camouflage themselves.