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Strange Scarlet Behaviour

Posted: 06 May 2017, 08:54
by vettepilot_6
Just gave my birds some leafy green grass and the hen scarlet just started chewing the middle till it bent in half lengthwise and stuff them in her rump feathers like a peachface does. ..anyone seen this before? ?? :crazy:

Re: Strange Scarlet Behaviour

Posted: 06 May 2017, 10:19
by branchez
vettepilot_6 wrote: 06 May 2017, 08:54 Just gave my birds some leafy green grass and the hen scarlet just started chewing the middle till it bent in half lengthwise and stuff them in her rump feathers like a peachface does. ..anyone seen this before? ?? :crazy:
Have seen my hens do this many times,usually when they are nesting and on eggs.I have this theory that they are doing this to get some moisture into the nest to help with the hatching of chicks.Probably wrong,just my opinion.
Jack

Re: Strange Scarlet Behaviour

Posted: 06 May 2017, 10:22
by vettepilot_6
She has eggs... but strange to see her fly to box wearing a tutu :lol:

Re: Strange Scarlet Behaviour

Posted: 06 May 2017, 10:35
by Tiaris
I had hens do it & mostly noticed it after they had soaked greens in the water bowl (which they love to do), so I assumed it was to add some humidity to the nest chamber,

Re: Strange Scarlet Behaviour

Posted: 08 May 2017, 18:04
by Mycoola
Probably because they are from dry area's, haven't seen mine do it but.

Re: Strange Scarlet Behaviour

Posted: 08 May 2017, 19:06
by vettepilot_6
We are in Bundaberg area..not known for its dryness. ...

Re: Strange Scarlet Behaviour

Posted: 08 May 2017, 19:25
by Mycoola
Probably instinct from when they were from desert area's. Lovebirds have been bred in aviaries for generations and still do it, no real need so has to be instinct.

Re: Strange Scarlet Behaviour

Posted: 08 May 2017, 20:30
by vettepilot_6
Strange because many many years ago I bred these and turqs in Mackay and never seen any of them do it. ...