Is This Normal?! Tail Fanning

[mimipeaches]

Is this normal and if so why do only two of my pullets do this??And they only do it if I pick them up.

 

[DobieLover]

Yes it's normal.
It's a reflexive reaction where the bird feels she needs counter balance when you pick her up. Mine do this too

 

[The Phantom]

I have a hen that literally struts. Lol

 

[mimipeaches]

Yes it's normal.
It's a reflexive reaction where the bird feels she needs counter balance when you pick her up. Mine do this too

Why do only two of them do it? And they haven't always done this so why did they start now? One started just the other day.

 

[DobieLover]

Why do only two of them do it? And they haven't always done this so why did they start now? One started just the other day.

Couldn't tell ya! Some of mine do, some don't.

 

[CannedMonster]

I have a couple that do that in the nest box because they’re broody.

 

[DobieLover]

I have a couple that do that in the nest box because they’re broody.

When a hen does it without being picked up and she is broody the tail fanning, along with puffing up all her feathers, is to try to look bigger to intimidate a potential threat to her offspring, present or future.