Is my hen scared of me? Help!!!

[ChickLover98]

My hen Thalia seems scared to death of me! She cowers down, shuffles her feet and shakes. She only does it when i go to pet her or pick her up. She only started this when she started to lay. I don't want her to be scared of me. Does she think I'm going to hurt her or her eggs????? I don't know... Please help!!!!

 

[Lifetime chicken lover]

This sounds like typical squat behavior. She recognizes you as her leader and is being submissive so you can jump on her and ride her. Don't mean to be crude.

I really love when my girls do it, cuz its the only opportunity I have sometimes to pet them and love them a bit.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

In other words...it's normal.

 

[gryeyes]

Because it's normal, just be real gentle and give her a skritch behind the head, or down the neck, or between her shoulder-blades. When you stop, she'll stand back up and shake herself all fluffy again. Back to business.

You big, Roo, you!

 

[ChickLover98]

Well I have a roo, and he's definately alpha. I do pet and pick Thalia up and then she stops squatting and shaking. Everytime i go to pick her up, though, she does it. Thanks for the suggestions!