Does this mean anything

[AussieBirds]

I was looking in the nest box of my cinnamon hen today, she is sitting on eggs, and she was making this strange movement in the box like she was rocking backwards and forwards on the eggs, almost like she was bobbing her head. Is this just a " keep away from my eggs" motion or does it mean something else, she sure is sitting tight on thses eggs and when she comes out to feed, the cockbird takes over incubation straight away.

It's been very hot here today 36c and I was a bit worried about the heat, would it be okay just to lightly mist her while she sits on the eggs?

John

[fischer]

John, I have a few Hen's, all diffreent species too, that do the same thing as your hen, I'm sure it's just a "keep away from my eggs" thing, It dosn't seem to be a problem with the bird in any way, at least it's never led to medical problems with mine.

In hottish weather Iv'e noticed the hen's will appear to be sitting
tightly, but they are actually standing a little higher off the eggs,
and sometimes rock in a sideways motion, I think this is to create a little air motion over the eggs.

Lightly misting a hen in the box might cool her a bit, but I would think it might also increase the humidity in the box too much, If
the temp's are high here, I lift the lid of the nestbox slightly at the front, so theres a better air circulation, this depends in the type of box you use.

Hope this helps a bit, Cheers Tony

[josiedownunda]

I have birds that do that John. I have taken it to mean 'stay away or else'!LOL They will rock slowly and hiss and if you keep trying to touch then they lunge at you. Both males and hens do it! Not sure whether the rocking motion is meant to give the impression that they are actually bigger than they are or whether they are just warming up the legs for when they strike!!LOL
When it gets very hot here I open the lid of the box slightly and prop it open. Just a small amount to help let some of the hot air escape. I just place a small stick on the ledge that the lid normally sits on and that raises it a small amount. I don't know about misting the bird while she is sitting..you don't want to scare her off. As long as she has water available to bathe in I think she will take care of that herself.
Jo-Anne

[Catbird]

Yep - its definately a threat posture. Some hens/cocks will also leap up to bite. Avoid letting them do that as it sends the eggs flying .