Do my hens think I am a rooster?

[ella&clara]

I bring them food, I show them where to go and what to do, they have never seen an actual rooster, or adult chicken for that matter (bought them as babies from a feed store) and now two of them, when I try to pet them, instead of running, crouch onto the ground and sort of lay their wings apart towards the ground and sit there and enjoy me petting them. I believe I have read that this is the position they assume when mating. I would not say they are otherwise tame and want to be held or something. They all come running when I approach the pen because they want food, and they croon and sing towards me. What do you think? Oh, and we also got our first egg this morning, you can see pictures/story on my blog at http://maryannscountrygarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/our-first-egg.html?spref

Thanks!

 

[Fred's Hens]

You're a combination of a HUGE rooster (yes, they squat to mate) and that GIANT who brings them food.

 

[gritsar]

Congrats on your first egg!

And yes, your hens are squatting for you. You are their rooster. A quick pat on the back and a "good girl" usually satisfies them.

 

[Pele]

Yep yep, you are right on track. Roosters point out nice things to eat, just like you. Roosters show them nice places to nest, just like you. Roosters keep the peace in the flock and intervene in fights, just like you. They're squatting so you can mate them, it's a sign of respect and trust in you. it's pretty much the highest form of chicken flattery.

You can cement your bond with them by giving their backs a quick ruffle and pat, it makes them deeply happy. Also, it helps you not get pecked when it comes time to collect eggs.

I know that roosters are much rougher, so don't worry about bothering them with the patting. You're a gentle lover compared to a roo!

 

[Mrs. Cannon]

Awwww! Mine do that too even though they have a roo around. I'm sure a chicken behavior specialist will post soon, but I always just. Let them and pat their little backs and send them on their merry way!

 

[sourland]

They're hoping that you are.

 

[pinkwindsong]

A quick pat on the back and a "good girl" usually satisfies them.

ya know some days that would satisfy me too.. hahhaha

)O(
Pink

 

[ella&clara]

Thanks you all. I might get a rooster one day, because I do think they'd behave more naturally with him, but I have little children and I'd like them to be older before I introduce one.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:

 

[alexalet]

Haha