That really sounds like the position they take when they are ready for egg laying and are submitting to possible mounting. They are recognizing you as their rooster. That's a good thing. They won't immediately run off as you pet them. It's easy at this point to gently grasp their bodies from outside of the wings so the wings hug the body as you pick them up. I usually tuck them under my arm and let them with my free hand. You can also tip them bottom side up to view the vent area.
I thought I've read that the best time to pick them up is at night when they are asleep. It makes it easier to move them to other cages for broodiness or separation or whatever. Did I misunderstand?
It seems a lot harder to catch a picture of this than I thought
This seems more like what I’m trying to describe. The hunkering down startled type action.
It seems like patience is the key. Even after a few days following the suggestions they have already become easier to move around using food although we have not upgraded to being picked up yet. Goals to aim for.
