Every time Butterscotch goes broody she performs a strange habit. When I get her out for one of her breaks she always runs off and jumps on the log. She scratches and pecks at it for a moment then goes about her business, scratch, quick dust bath, large poop, pellets, water and back to the nest box.
I meant catch this behaviour with photographs last time she was broody but kept missing my chance. This time round I thought I would try to catch it again.
Once again every time she did this I kept missing it. I either didn’t have my camera or when I did she had jumped down before I got the shot.
Yesterday I finally got the shots I wanted. The thing that is so odd about this is that she only ever does this when she is broody. When she isn’t broody she never goes on the log.
Butterscotch on the log
She is looking at me
She pecks at the log
She turns to face the other way
She then jumps down and continues with her normal routine. Why should she only do this when broody? Why is this ritual connected to her being broody? It is most odd but unique and amusing to watch. Who can tell what goes on their chicken brains!
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OH, their funny little ways are so cute. Don’t you just love them?
They are so cute and you do just have to love them. How funny they are!
Not a clue , but I do think once they pick up on a habit or ritual they stick to it like glue.
She probably did it once and then there was a click and it is now part of the routine like when they come out and throw twigs on their backs .
You are probably right. She has done this now for the last two or three broody spells. It is funny.
She is such a sweet girl.
Our Sam have lots of funny little ways.
People and animls Are not so different.
I agree, they have their own little characters and are all so different. They do make me smile. Jackie often says they are not so different from people. She says chickens remind her of children in the playground.