Beginning to Squat

[shady hen lane]

Hello, we are new to raising chickens, we bought our birds this summer they should be 18 - 20 weeks or so, please tell me what you mean by squatting? We have two golden lace Wyandotte the youngest and one of each being the older chicks, Australorp, Buff Orpington, Americana.

 

[bantybabylover]

the hen will literally squat and hold her wings apart from her body when stroked on the back, mine do this because i have worked very hard to keep them tame and friendly. but the best sign is the comb and wattle gets red, they may even practice their song. it sounds like a caw caw sound, but with alot of feeling.

 

[Scott16475]

Quote:
When people tell you that the hens will open their wings, don't envision a fully opened wing because that's not what happens. They open their wing just a little but it's noticeable. Not sure exactly how to describe it but you'll know it when you see it. They squat, their back goes down a little, and both wings open a little.

 

[iPeanut1990]

Hello, we are new to raising chickens, we bought our birds this summer they should be 18 - 20 weeks or so, please tell me what you mean by squatting? We have two golden lace Wyandotte the youngest and one of each being the older chicks, Australorp, Buff Orpington, Americana.

I tried to get a picture of one of mine doing it but they won't cooperate this morning

. Here's a video that's a good demonstration of it.

 

[Fancypants1]

This one is a little more clear:

 

[iPeanut1990]

This one is a little more clear:

I almost posted that one but I wasn't sure it would be a good one since the guy is scratching her like a dog lol

 

[Fancypants1]

Looked like she really enjoyed it too LOL. My chickens are 25 weeks and I am still waiting for the squat and eggs!!!!

 

[ccrane11]

My pullets started laying 11 days after they began squatting

 

[chickenlover432]

the hen will literally squat and hold her wings apart from her body when stroked on the back, mine do this because i have worked very hard to keep them tame and friendly. but the best sign is the comb and wattle gets red, they may even practice their song. it sounds like a caw caw sound, but with alot of feeling.

My older girl who's retired from laying still squats...??

 

[bantybabylover]

old habits are hard to break,lol