Are my hens trying to lay an egg?

[MeghanFaith]

Whenever I try to pickup to some of my hens they hunker down with the wings spread and little and tap their feet?? It freaked me out at first. Then, I thought maybe I'm scaring the egg outta them! haha Anyways the first one I noticed to do this laid her first egg a day later. Is this normal behavior?

 

[gryeyes]

Whenever I try to pickup to some of my hens they hunker down with the wings spread and little and tap their feet?? It freaked me out at first. Then, I thought maybe I'm scaring the egg outta them! haha Anyways the first one I noticed to do this laid her first egg a day later. Is this normal behavior?

This is perfectly normal behavior commonly referred to as The Squat. It's a sign of submission; the purpose is to allow the rooster easy access as he mounts her.

When a hen of mine squats for me, I give her a little skritch between her wing blades, another at the base of her tail feathers and then a pat on the middle of her back. I always say, "Good girl!"

When the stand up again they ruffle everything, which I like to think is "fixing their bed feathers" but it also has a functional purpose. The shake moves the rooster's semen up into her body.

All of this is instinctual. Amazing, huh?

 

[MeghanFaith]

OMG now I'm not sure if I'm violating my girls or letting them down.

Either way didn't expect that answer and def. gave me my laugh for the day. I'd like to like to find a Speckled Sussex Rooster but it seems like I may have to buy one as a chick!?

Thanks! =)

 

[gryeyes]

Oooh, where 'bouts are you? I have several SS cockerels hatched at Easter. It's going to suck when I have to send them to Freezer Camp when they start to crow....

 

[MeghanFaith]

I live in Southern WV.

 

[gryeyes]

Darn, was hoping for West Coast. Oh well, hope you find a source nearby.

 

[MeghanFaith]

Yeah Sorry! Seems like everyone around here gives me a funny look if I mention the breed. lol