Straw fetish?

[outbackdiggn]

My hens and rooster are all healthy and have plenty of dust. If I'm outside, I let them out of their pen to forage and have never had any problems with that. But one hen has picked up the habit of threading bits of straw through the feathers on her back and leaving them there. She doesn't just lay them on top, she pushes them through so they stay put. Is she reacting to some kind of parasite? Or is this just some kind of broody hen behavior? I'm hoping for 'broody' because so far, none of my hens seem to care very much.

 

[AmyRey]

She's accessorizing.

No seriously, the good people here have told others that hens sometimes put straw on their backs before they lay. Maybe in the olden/wild bird days this served as camoflage?

 

[welovechickens]

My Ameraucana would go sit in the nest box, pick hay from in front of herself, and throw it over her back. She did this for about 2 days before she laid her first egg.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Quote:
AmyRey, that's cute!

I agree with AmyRey assessment.

 

[outbackdiggn]

The camo idea occured to me too! Certainly makes sense. Also, happy to hear that she'll probably start laying soon- thanks.

 

[blackfootfarm]

AmyRey wrote:

She's accessorizing. lol

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