Throwing Leaves Over Shoulders?

[purpletree23]

I have a hen who is about 6 months old. Yesterday I noticed something strange. While she was out free ranging (at least 2 hours a day) she was picking up leaves and leaf pieces and was trying to throw them over her shoulders. Why is she doing this?

Thanks

 

[Dixiedoodle]

My broody hen was doing that when I would make her get off the nest (no fert. eggs --so twice a day I would lift her out of the nestbox and place her in the run).. She was putting shavings and leaves on her back.. Not sure why but when I asked --others stated it wasn't abnormal for them to do it!

 

[TriciaHowe]

Mine do it when they get into the nest boxes. I have one that likes to lay in the corner by our house where there are lots of leaves and she also puts them over her back.

Silly hens

 

[Judy]

The theory that makes sense to me is that it is an attempt to camouflage themselves, going back to when they nested under a bush and were trying to hide from predators.

 

[abhaya]

Yep they are hiding

 

[gryeyes]

I prefer to think they are decorating themselves, because one of my really prissy hens does this AFTER she leaves the nest. It's a fashion statement: All Dressed Up Fancy Because *I* Just Laid An Egg!

 

[dwegg]

i have noticed mine do this when they are not well...?

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

Mine do it after they lay and are leaving the nest box.