Are you wondering what "squatting" is? (video)

[Morgan7782]

This is for those of us who are not familiar with what it means when a chicken "squats".

I took a video of my Dark Brahma who is about ready to lay her first egg. This is what "squatting" looks like. This is one of a few signs that a pullet is getting ready to lay, and it is a sign she is also ready to submit to a rooster and breed. But I don't have a rooster, so she is satisfied with a pat lol. Hope this helps somebody recognize it!

 

[3goodeggs]

yep! I am sure it will help. Beautiful hens!

 

[Morgan7782]

Thank you! She started squatting on Sunday, and last night I thought "hey, maybe a video will help other people get familiar with it..!" and hopefully it will!

I had two BR hens a few years ago and neither squatted ever, so this is new to me

My Brahma is pretty reliable when I go to touch her she freezes like that. First time I saw it I was yelling in the backyard at 7am on a sunday morning "SHE SQUATTED! MOM MOM SHE SQUATTED!" lol!

 

[Illia]

WOW that is some good lacing for what I assume is a hatchery Brahma.

Nice demonstration though.

 

[Morgan7782]

Thank you! I am assuming she is hatchery as well lol but I have no clue. I got her from a lady who raises Cochins

traded two Wyandottes for her. I fell in LOVE with the pattern and never wanted a Brahma, but man I am in loooove with the breed now...

 

[PamB]

So, once they start laying, do they always do the squatting thing or is it only before they begin?? I have one layer, but I'm not sure which one it is (could be one of two). One is squatting, the other not so much but she has developed a red comb recently.

 

[Morgan7782]

Well I know some hens never squat, it can vary. I don't have a current laying hen so I am not sure if they continue the squatting through maturity and stuff. Hopefully somebody will have a better answer!

 

[IroquoisEgg]

My two layers are 1-2 years old and they both still squat for me!

 

[bburn]

So....I have a rooster....my girls are 22-23 weeks...no eggs yet....but almost all have bright red combs now and there is quite a bit of breeding going on.....am thinking....any day now...but the squatting thing, have not seen it except for the rooster. So maybe that is the difference.

Edit: Oct 6th....first egg!!!

 

[PamB]

Quote:
Thanks for the answer! So, I guess I still have no idea which one is leaving me those cute little eggs.