I have a hen that, after she finished laying her eggs, she goes back just to sit. She lays in the morning. This afternoon, around 3 she went into her nesting box just to sit. I've also noticed she has been pooping in the box. She always gets up after her egg is payed and goes out to play for a few hours. Then in afternoon sits in the nest. I'm wondering if she has stomach cramps and feels like she has to lay even if she doesn't. Just lately, she has a poopy bottom. Could this be worms? Broody behavior?
It could be broody behavior but I've never read about them pooping in the nesting box a lot. I'm not an expert on worms so I have no idea.
Often birds will hide in the nests if they are being bullied or maybe don't feel well. Mine can spend time lounging in nests too...but rarely poop in them. A dirty butt often means loose stools and many things could cause it, or your bird could just have very fluffy butt feathers that are more likely get and stay dirty if she doesn't preen them clean. More info on your flock and coop/run might help. How big is coop and run...in feet by feet? How many birds total and their ages? What and how exactly are you feeding?
