What does this behavior mean?

[ThePolishPrincess]

Our hens would occasionally do that when they are broody or waiting for the right moment to 'settle down an start nesting'.


I'm pretty sure it's an instinctual (if that's a word!) thing they grasp from birds as a whole. Basically collecting materials for their nests and babies.

I love to watch it. When my Polish hen was laying for the first time, she was collecting like crazy! She would walk from the coop to outside and just walk around with leaves and other small items on her back, go back to the nest, drop off whatever stayed in place, and go hunting for more. She'd even go after really bright looking pieces of garbage she found outside. So cute and very funny. They'd be in a trance as they were doing it and I'd hand them materials, which the girls would take and place right on their back or in place in their nests.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Quote:
That's HILARIOUS!!

 

[jossanne]

Roosters aren't necessary for nesting behavior. The hens will still prepare to be mamas, even if they're not a type that will go broody. They're funny creatures, aren't they!

One of mine was standing in front of one of the floor-level nest boxes (which have never had an egg laid in them) pulling out pieces of straw and putting them on her back yesterday. I don't know if she went up to one of the other nest boxes after that or not, but she made me smile.