We have three RIR's that have just begun laying. After one of our chickens lays an egg she will pick up a mouthful of straw and flick it on top of her back. Does anybody have any ideas about what this behavior means? Thank you,
Pat and Lori, Of course, she is doing a nest-building gesture. Some hens rearrange their straw while they are waiting for their egg. The toss over her back may be from instinctive behavior to hide the nest (from jungle days), as the straw may fall over the eggs as she leaves the nest. Just by watching your birds, you will observe lots of behavior that will give you an idea that chickens are not so dumb after all!!CJR
Pat & Lori
By Cjeanr on Monday, April 12, 1999 - 12:37 am: