Why is this hen doing this?

[pfields]

I found my EE doing this on several occasions. At night I've seen her standing on the poop board with her head under another hen that's standing on the roost board. She's very timid but this is crazy. Sometimes she's so far under him her head is under his neck feathers. This never leads to mating. He tolerates it for awhile and then moves away.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

She's hiding - from the looks of her back I'd say with good reason. You mention that it doesn't lead to mating - do you never see the rooster mount this hen? If not, then it would seem the damage to her back is from the other hens and that would further explain her seeking "shelter" under him or anyone else that tolerates it.

 

[pfields]

I had a big black rooster that wasn't kind to the hens. I sold him about 3 weeks ago. That's why I put a saddle on her to protect her. Her feathers are coming back nicely.

I'm selling the white rooster, too. He's not so rough on the hens but he's mean to me. When he's gone I'll take off her saddle.

BTW, I've never seen the hens hurt her.

 

[Cknldy]

The first pic did look like a naked back but you can see the saddle in the 3rd pic. Is she only trying to get under the roo and no one else? I've never seen a hen "seek out" mating but hey, learn something new every day

I too believe she is hiding/seeking protection. How old is your girl? Are her legs/feet cold? I'm thinking too old for cuddling under a 'broody momma' but perhaps a circulation problem thus seeking warmth?

 

[pfields]

She's 13 months old. It's warm here today in south Texas.

It doesn't lead to mating, ever.

 

[TalkALittle]

Perhaps a learned behavior? Under the white rooster was a good way to avoid the black rooster. Now the black rooster is gone, but it might just be habit to go under the white rooster when stressed.

 

[pfields]

Maybe...the times I've seen her do it all the hens were just standing around, none were fighting. She doesn't seem stressed, actually very relaxed. I just think it's strange.