The squating down has nothing to do with getting ready to lay. All mine do this when I pat them and they are all over one year and have been laying for quite some time. Squatting is a sign of submission. They do it because they see you as the boss. nothing else. I would not let tem peck at you or your shoes, as it may be cute now, but it will turn into a very bad habit and one that is hard to break when they start to cause injury as they get older.
