Egg laying and squatting

[Blue_Myst]

This might seem like a stupid question, but I'm not exactly clear on this

What exactly is squatting? I have a four month old hen who, when I pet her, lowers herself close to the ground. With my older hens, however, they stand at a forty-five degree angle and hunch up their shoulders so that wings stick out from their body when I try to pick them up. Are either of these 'squatting'?

Thanks! I'm just making sure I have the right idea so that I can predict when my new girls are going to lay

 

[Opa]

The latter is squatting, a breeding posture indicating submissiveness.

 

[Blue_Myst]

Thanks for the reply!

One of my four month olds actually did this today! Eggs are coming very soon, I can just taste them!

 

[Cyberous]

Thanks for asking this question,.. I used search a few days ago but didn't find anything, additionally I didn't know how to ask the question.

Again thanks!

Don

 

[chickenbottom]

Quote:
dont get ahead of yourself mine started squatting at 4 months and they are now 25 weeks old and i havent got an egg yet so just be patient and keep us updated congrats on the squatters

 

[ChooksChick]

I call it the "Hit-the-Deck" posture! The wing scrunching is the clincher.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Better check under the bushes....

Of course, they could be taking this long, too. They lay in their own sweet time, for sure. My roos have been after the girls for a few weeks now but I have not seen much interest on their part at all. But eggs arrived yesterday. Tiny cute little pullet ones.

 

[chickenbottom]

Quote:
Better check under the bushes....

Of course, they could be taking this long, too. They lay in their own sweet time, for sure. My roos have been after the girls for a few weeks now but I have not seen much interest on their part at all. But eggs arrived yesterday. Tiny cute little pullet ones.

they dont get free ranging abilities we have cougars here so that s deff out of the question for free ranging ya they are taking their time lol i jsut hope they lay soon so my business can kick in