Hen stomping and squatting when I approach

[jnicholes]

Had a second squatter today. This time, it was one of the gold sex links.

 

[TLynne1]

ok,
I have read

Congratulations! You should start seeing eggs soon!

a few books that are supposed to teach you all you need to know about chickens...nothing mentioned squatting so I didn't know what was going on when it first happened. I did however, know enough to come here and ask! So much about it! I know I should expect eggs soon! Is there anything else I can expect before the egg(s) come? Is there something I must do (to or for the chicken) after the egg(s) is layed?

 

[AinaWGSD]

Not really. If you want to use golf balls or fake eggs to encourage them to lay in the nest box now would be a good time to put them out. It won't hurt to offer free choice oyster shell in case they need more calcium. If they're eating layer feed they may not need the extra calcium but I think it's nice to have it available just in case.

 

[jnicholes]

All of you were right. Austra white gave me my first egg today!

 

[tlcmurphy]

Congrats! First eggs are so exciting

 

[Rowanh16]

It’s called a submissive squat and just means they’re ready to mate. I’ve seen people say they like being pet when they do it but that’s probably my least favourite thing people say about chickens. Mine always puff up and run away if I pet them when they do it so I just leave them be.

 

[Rowanh16]

Squatting for you means she likes to be patted on her back and wiggled at bit. Because there is no rooster she seeks your company.

definitely doesn’t mean that

 

[rosemarythyme]

definitely doesn’t mean that

It means exactly that, it was just worded extremely politely.

 

[Rowanh16]

It means exactly that, it was just worded extremely politely.

My chickens hate being touched when they squat and if I do they’ll do a big fluff and shake and then run away. Same reaction to being flipped on their back which they definitely don’t like either.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My chickens hate being touched when they squat and if I do they’ll do a big fluff and shake and then run away.

That's exactly what a hen does when mated. Supposedly the shaking helps move the male's contribution inside.