Rough house behavior

[Lesliejean]

I have two 7-month old buf orpington hens. Twice after cleaning the coop, they pulled out all the straw from their nesting boxes and pulled up the roosting bars. They seem to always be in good spirits but I was wondering if this is a behavior I should be concerned about. Also, when I pet one, she backs up to me and raises her rear toward me then stretches her wings and ruffles her feathers. Is this an expression of enjoyment or not? I'm new so I wanted to make sure I'm doing things right. Thanks for any advice.

 

[ronott1]

I have two 7-month old buf orpington hens. Twice after cleaning the coop, they pulled out all the straw from their nesting boxes and pulled up the roosting bars. They seem to always be in good spirits but I was wondering if this is a behavior I should be concerned about. Also, when I pet one, she backs up to me and raises her rear toward me then stretches her wings and ruffles her feathers. Is this an expression of enjoyment or not? I'm new so I wanted to make sure I'm doing things right. Thanks for any advice.

They are new to laying so the nest behavior is normal. The second thing they are doing is called the Egg Squat here. It is the position a hen takes when the male mates her. It is completely normal too.

They will calm down soon.

 

[Lesliejean]

Thanks so much.