First time mother hen confused.

[sdmotherhen]

Hi all,
I have had my chickens since March 15,2012 when they were day old chicks. They are growing nicely. I have one chicken(a Buff Orpington) that will not get out of the way when I go through the gate into the chicken yard. She moves her wings out and flattens her body close to the ground. I have to pick her up to get in the gate. I am a first time mother hen, could someone please explain this behavior?

 

[NovaAman]

Wow, almost sounds like she's mad! My broody hens will do that. But, now that I think on it, she could be nearing time to lay eggs. How long has she been doing this?

 

[sdmotherhen]

She has been doing it for about a week now. Also, tonight when I went into the chicken yard to shut them in the coop, another Buff was doing the same thing, just not in front of the gate.

 

[Aschenfire]

That is the egg squat. They are nearing sexual maturity and you should expect eggs soon. That is how they would squat for a rooster....

 

[sdmotherhen]

That is the egg squat. They are nearing sexual maturity and you should expect eggs soon. That is how they would squat for a rooster....

Thanks for the info. As I've said, this is my first time raising chickens.