Why is my hen burying her egg under the nesting materials?

[cnodgaard]

I'm pretty sure my blue Orpington, Ruby Blue, just started laying. I only have one other hen that's currently laying. The thing is, I've found two eggs buried in the nesting material in the nesting box. Is this a common behavior? I noticed that the nest box materials (shredded paper) was disturbed and felt around and sure enough, I found a buried egg! The first time I found a buried egg, there was another egg on top (probably from my other hen).

 

[The Fairy Godmartyr]

My chickens do it sometimes, too. I couldn't tell you why, though.

 

[Beekissed]

When they sneak off to lay out in the grass or in the woods, they will cover their eggs with nesting material to hide it from predators when they leave the nest each day to roost. When they get a full clutch, they will sit on them until they hatch, rarely leaving the nest for even food or water. I'd venture a guess that your bird is either going to go broody or is just acting on instinct.

 

[tuesdays chicks]

maybe its a smart chicken and knows your going to take it if you see it lol

 

[Buttercup Chillin]

Well one of mine found out the ducks are building up a nest full of eggs and she is adding hers to it. Thank goodness, I can tell the difference.
That's all I need is her sitting on Muscovy eggs, 38 days instead of 21. She's persistent and would continue to sit I am sure and be one exhausted little girl, even if she could cover that large of a nest. Or the Muscovy hen hatching her chick at 21 days then leaving me a nest full of duck eggs to bator hatch in December. No No Muscovy ducks must hatch and raise their own little mess makers. They do a much better job anyway.

 

[woodmort]

You might want to think so, but those chickens aren't laying eggs so you can steal them, they are for reproduction. Consequently they will hide them as best they can until they can get enough for a clutch to brood chicks.

 

[cnodgaard]

Well my little (big Orp) Ruby's clever alright. My red sex link rescue hen just leaves her egg right on the top - like a little present!

 

[mamamahoney]

Mine are burying for the first time ever! I think its because they're being disturbed more often than they are accustomed to. We're building new duck runs, grower pens and rabbit hutches. I've been going in and out several times a day instead of 1 time per usual. Hoping it stops once we are thru.