Hen stomping and squatting when I approach

[jnicholes]

Hi everyone,

I was out checking on my chickens this evening, and when I went in the coop, my Austra white hen started rapidly tapping her feet on the ground, and started squatting with her wings down.

Just for information, she is 18 weeks old today. All my other chickens are this age today as well.

I have not gotten any eggs yet, but I read somewhere that this behavior means she’s getting ready to lay eggs soon.

However, I am not sure of this. I don’t even know what this behavior means. Can someone help me figure it out?

Regards,

Jared

PS: Here is a picture of her.

 

[CoopBoots]

Did it look like this?

https://flockjourney.com/why-does-my-hen-squat/

If so, that is the mating-readiness stance. Good sign she is nearing sexual maturity, and yes, eggs should be coming soon

 

[BDutch]

I don’t even know what this behavior means. Can someone help me figure it out?

She is going to lay her first egg very soon now. Have a nestbox ready with a fake egg.

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.

 

[jnicholes]

Did it look like this?

https://flockjourney.com/why-does-my-hen-squat/

If so, that is the mating-readiness stance. Good sign she is nearing sexual maturity, and yes, eggs should be coming soon

Yes, pretty darn similar. I guess I’ll be getting eggs pretty soon!

 

[jnicholes]

She is going to lay her first egg very soon now. Have a nestbox ready with a fake egg.

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.

Thanks for the info. I guess all my hard work raising them is about to pay off soon!

 

[jnicholes]

I have an update. I was able to get a picture of this squat today. I figured I’d show you all, just in case anybody was curious.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Congratulations! You should start seeing eggs soon!

 

[Logar]

I have an update. I was able to get a picture of this squat today. I figured I’d show you all, just in case anybody was curious.

View attachment 3937545

Mine started laying 1-4 days after doing this. You will be getting an egg very soon!

 

[Mrs. K]

I think about a week - 10 days.

 

[Sally PB]

Quiche is in your future, Jared!