im so confused and excited but not really sure

[chickenbottom]

i have been noticing my 7 week old chicks are getting huge fast and today and a few days ago i swear my 7 week old buff orpington and my 7 week old silver laced wyandotte squatted i mean actually squatting like my older hens do i was like did you see that and they saw it too im shocked ive read on here a 9 week old layer but 7 weeks old and squatting its really confusing me and i dont know what to think i would never swear to anything and i swear to the mighty heavens above that i saw them squat i was petting them and down they went.

 

[chickenbottom]

has anyone ever had this happen with your chickens mine came from ideal poultry if that helps and they turn 8 weeks wednesday. ide be happy to give any other information on them their combs are pink not big just pink. and they are almost a pound i would say lol they are small but big last week i was thinking they are roosters and now they are squatting so im confused and i just need insight on this please and thank you.

 

[Choco Maran]

I have serveral hens that squat {as you say} when we pet them. They are all about 5 1/2 months old. {not laying yet}

Most have stopped now that they are used to us just petting them and they are not afraid of the touch any more. All our hens love there petting. I don't know much about chickens right now, but don't feel this is any more than trying to get away from the touching.

 

[MissPrissy]

Squatting is a sign of submission. It is not a signal for egg laying.

 

[chickenbottom]

Quote:
actually my girls and my little ones love to jump on me and get petted all the time this is a squat like wings up body down just like my hens.

 

[chickenbottom]

Quote:
ya i know i just dont know why they would be doing it at this age

 

[MissPrissy]

This is not too young to learn. Remember animal behavior is ingrained. They are programs to behave in certain ways with certain catalyst. You are dominant - they squat. Older chickens are dominant and they squat. Higher in the pecking order is dominant and they squat. Age is not a way judge the behavior.