Once a Shelf? Evocative Antique Carved, Hinged Wooden Chicken

A bit of a mystery, at least to me, but quite an old and very lovingly carved and hinged chicken...I could not let it go! Perhaps made as a shelf of sorts, but no holes or other evidence of any support that once attached to it.  And looks like it might have wanted to have a crest, but I can see no certain evidence of loss. Whatever the case, highly empathetic. And with splotches of old mustard paint here and there that just make it all the more so.

5 3/4" w x 6 1/4" t. Stable and sound, rich patina to the surface of the wood, hinges in good shape. 19th century I believe.