How do chickens make their nests?

Chickens use various materials to build their nests. These materials include:

- Dried grasses

- Straw

- Feathers

- Leaves

- Twigs

- Pine needles

- Bark

The Process of Nest Making:

1. Nest Site Selection:

- Hens first select a suitable location for their nest. This can be in various places, including under bushes, trees, in barns, coops, or other secluded spots.

2. Scraping:

- Once a site is chosen, the hen starts by scraping the ground to create a shallow depression or "scrape."

3. Gathering Materials:

- The hen then gathers nesting materials from the surrounding area. She uses her beak and feet to collect and carry the materials back to the nesting site.

4. Building the Nest:

- The hen arranges the materials in a circular fashion, creating a cup-shaped nest.

- She places the softer materials, such as feathers and leaves, in the center of the nest to create a comfortable lining.

5. Refining the Nest:

- As she builds the nest, the hen constantly adjusts and refines its shape and structure. She may rearrange the materials and discard unsuitable items to create a sturdy and comfortable nesting environment.

It's worth noting that the behaviors and preferences of chickens can vary depending on the breed and individual characteristics, so there can be some variation in how different hens build their nests.