Funny hen dance?

[Hyline]

Sometimes when I go to pick up or stroke my hens a couple of them will lift their wings up, duck down a little and sort of hop quickly from foot to foot - what does this mean? Is it a defensive behaviour? They usually do it if you have taken them by surprise, though one older hen does it all the time.

 

[Fred's Hens]

It is an act of submission. The pullets do this to show submission, particularly when they submit to being mated by a rooster. In a young pullet, of about 18 weeks of age, it also is an early indicator that eggs will be coming within a few weeks.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Although, I should add, that some hens NEVER do this.

 

[Hyline]

Thank you! So my hens are submitting to me, makes me feel a bit like a brute lol!

The pullets do it the most and I guess the older girl is just young at heart!

 

[sweetbeak]

Hi,

I bought 2 girls about 2 weeks ago and they are now about 14 weeks, one is a little bigger than the other and today I have noticed they are starting to sort of bicker or jump up at each other. I have a feeling one may be a male but not sure.

Any answers?