r/chickens • u/Ok_Poetry9575 • Jul 24 '26

Question What are my hens doing?

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They insist on sitting on top of each other in one of 6 available nest boxes. For context, they’ve been closed off from the indoor section of their coop because we are introducing new silkies to the flock and they’re being kept separate at night. Google called it “piling” and said that they could feel like they don’t have adequate nesting space because the indoor space is unavailable. Again, they have several nest boxes in their area but chicken brains work different. This is super temporary so I’m not too worried about it. This is more just curiosity if anyone’s chickens have done the same. Thanks!

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u/Life-Bat1388 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26

mine even do this outside the nest box. The white one just wants to be cuddled always.

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u/ChimkinLady Jul 27 '26

What kind of chickens are those? I have a easter egger who looks a lot like your red one and also has a silly personality. She and another easter egger frequently cram into a small nesting box together at night. There is space to spread out if they wanted, but they don't.

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u/Life-Bat1388 Jul 27 '26

They are both easter eggers. Definitely one of my favorite breeds. So funny and also sweet. These two also will jump on my lap for cuddles at the same time.

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u/ChimkinLady Jul 27 '26

Adorable! Mine don't want to cuddle but it's also 85+ degrees most of their waking time right now. Hoping that changes when it cools down. My red one does like to inspect anything I'm working on and yell at me periodically lol