Can someone explain ‘squatting’

[BayAreaMike408]

Hi All,

New chicken owner here. We had 9, 1 day old chicks shipped Dec 7th, making them almost 18 weeks old. We’ve been enjoying having them around and interact with them daily.

Today, my only pure Ameraucana in the group was friendlier than usual. She’s always been friendly but not petting and picking up friendly. Today she was allowing me to pet her and when I put my hand on her back she just kinda dropped to the ground. She let me pick her up and carry her around and seemed rather comfortable and relaxed. This is not typical for this specific girl. I’ve read this may be squatting but she didn’t stick her butt in the air like many say they should. I’ve also read ameraucanas are late layers (none have laid yet) but ameraucanas start laying around 24 mothhs.

does this sound like squatting behavior or would she initiate the squat on her own? Any other signs were close?

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

Sounds like squatting to me, and where did you read that Ameraucanas start laying at 2 years old? :O

 

[BayAreaMike408]

Sounds like squatting to me, and where did you read that Ameraucanas start laying at 2 years old? :O

Meant 24 weeks. And good to year I’m on the right track! Kids have been eagerly awaiting their daily prizes lol

 

[CalBickieMomma]

Yup. Sounds like someone is getting ready to lay! Funny thing is the only girl who squats for me, like if I make a sudden movement anywhere in her direction, is my rescue Easter Egger. My other girls don’t really do it at all (maybe because they were hand raised by me and coddled beyond what is normal ). Perhaps they view me as another hen and not a rooster.