Unusual Hen Behavior

[Chickie-chan]

Today I was out to see my girlies and my buff Orpington was acting really strange. She was all fluffed up and kept "growling" at different things. She would "growl" if the other hens were rushing to her. I was out giving them some greens and whenever she got a piece the others wanted she would "growl" if they came really close. Usually for treats she is really fast at grabbing it and if she doesn't get a piece she makes a high pitched whining sound, but today she would kind of wait on the side until the others were busy.

Then she was super fluffed out. I've only seen her that fluffed out in the winter time when there's snow outside and she's trying to keep warm. Does anyone know what might be the problem?

 

[sourland]

She is pre broody. Sometime in the next couple of days she will refuse to leave the nest box. Time to get some fertile eggs and expand your flock.

 

[Chickie-chan]

I guess there were some eggs in the nest box. I will check on her later and see if she acts differently without the eggs. I was actually thinking that I've only seen her act that way while in the box. Thanks for the reminder!
I wish!! I'm in the city and I'm only allowed three hens.

 

[sourland]

When they are completely broody, they will set whether or not they have eggs.

 

[Chickie-chan]

I didn't know that. . . always nice to learn something new. I'll keep an eye on her. Thanks!