When roosting my hens hold one wing over the next hen...

[tomofhb]

When roosting I have seen my hens open up one wing and hold it over the hen next to them. It looks like a hug or they are keeping each other warm, we are in Southern California it's not cold. I'm not sure what they are doing.

Has anyone seen this behavior? I'll try to get a pic of them and post it.

 

[centrarchid]

Birds young or have cuddle issues. Another possibility is your roost setup is too tight.

 

[lisascenic]

My lower ranked hens do this. I think it's really charming.

Chickens snuggle. Who knew?

 

[JAZsMom]

I don't know what it means, but sounds adorable! I 'd love to see a pic!

 

[silky ma]

This is just what it is comfort from one to another. I had a hen that would put both of her wings over 2 other hens at night regardless of the weather. I also have had roosters do this to me while holding them. It is sweet!

 

[silky ma]

This is one of my late roos that immediately opened his wings upon picking him up. Still miss him today!

 

[silky ma]

This is a pic of my roo as a babe--far left in front- all are cuddled up on the couch while I sit on the floor. All I did was sit on the floor and the whole lot of them made themselves at home while my top hen- Hope- went outdoors for a break from the kids knowing I was taking good care of them.

 

[Peeps61]

I've seen two of my hens do this. When I go out to lock the coop up after they've gone in to roost, I've seen my RIR and one of my Buff Orpingtons put their wings over the other hens. They have plenty of room to roost, so I think it's a cuddling thing.

 

[AnnHolden]

i just got my hens today , two rhode island whites , and the smaller of the two hens ( although same age ) was rooting under the other hen . was pretty cute . should have got a picture of it