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Is my hen scared of me? Help!!!

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by ChickLover98, Aug 12, 2010.

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  1. Aug 12, 2010 #1
    ChickLover98

    ChickLover98 The Chicken Princess

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    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!!!!
     
  2. Aug 12, 2010 #2
    Lifetime chicken lover

    Lifetime chicken lover Songster

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    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. [​IMG]
    I really love when my girls do it, cuz its the only opportunity I have sometimes to pet them and love them a bit.
     
  3. Aug 12, 2010 #3
    Yay Chicks!

    Yay Chicks! Songster

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    Forest Grove, OR
    In other words...it's normal. [​IMG]
     
  4. Aug 12, 2010 #4
    gryeyes

    gryeyes Covered in Pet Hair & Feathers

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    My slice of heaven in Somerset, CA
    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! [​IMG]
     
  5. Aug 12, 2010 #5
    ChickLover98

    ChickLover98 The Chicken Princess

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    Pennsylvania
    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!
     

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