Is this squatting?

[downtownjb80]

My hens are about 17 weeks old. When I put my hand on their back they drop their tails and try to walk away. One of them stopped and let me rub her back for a while but only once, they all try to get away from me. Is this squatting or are they just trying to escape?

 

[Wynette]

Usually when they "squat" they spread their wings away from their bodies as well. THen, if you pet them a few times, they'll "shake it off" - like when a dog or horse shakes.

 

[Happy Chooks]

No not a squat. When they squat, they don't walk. They hunker down with their wings out and head down a bit. And when you pet them they get up and fluff off.

 

[Nicole01]

Sorry, it's not. It won't be too long though. Good luck with your first egg!

 

[downtownjb80]

Well whatever it is I got an egg today!

 

[happyhensny]

Good deal-breakfast!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Congrats!

 

[pooh731]

when u reach for the hens back and she spreds her wings a bit and lets u give her a good back scratchin,she may even drop to the ground and raise her tail,twitchin it to the side a bit and opening her vent.....this ain't squatin.... it's what she does with a rooster...if she doesn't want to “play” she will raise her head, lower her butt and scooch away.

 

[AngelaClassAct]

Quote:
Exactly! And this is how I catch some of my chickens, I put gentle pressure on their backs to get them to squat so I can pick them up. They do that because that's what they do when they go for a ride with the rooster.