Whats this behavior ?

[Boysmom]

When Ruby is on our sofa she does this digging thing. Sofa is dark brown by the way. She will put her head down ( usually near a corner) and kinda holds on to the sofa with her beak. Then she starts a digging or scratching action, pulling her feet backwards till they kick her tail, then the other foot does the same. Anyone know what this is ?

 

[Pedro]

This is nesting behavior & i would strongly suggest you discourage it. Hens in breeding mode can & do get very nasty especially if the have access to a dark cosy place to nest in.

 

[Chikoo]

Definitely nesting behavior, my female did the same with her snuggle nest. Discourage it or she will start laying eggs and such, and becoming hormonal.

 

[lene1949]

Yes, she's trying to find a place to nest...

 

[Boysmom]

Thanks everyone, thats what I was afraid of. Hubby said she was just foraging, but I didnt think so. I will quickly remove her to distract this behavior when she does it from now on. I havent put a snuggly hut or anything like it in her cage to discourage nesting.