Is this the "egg squat dance" pullet's do before they lay??? PICS

[chickendude]

Quote:
All of our chickens have been handled every day by my 6 year old son and the rest of the family since they were 1 day old. So they are very comfortable being held. They feel safe. But I did notice they became more friendly just before the eggs started. If you want to have a more friendly flock spend as much time around them as you can.

It's just me and my DH, and we desperately tried to handle them as much as possible, but even when they were chicks they screamed. So everyday after work I have a glass of wine and sit with my hens in the run. They brush up against me, they peck at my feet, and seem to not mind me one bit... but if I try to reach out for them - forget it. I'll just have to be persistant and hopeful I guess

I like your idea with the glass of wine!

Well even if they don't get as friendly as you may want you are getting great therapy watching them and sipping your wine. Not too bad in my opinion.

 

[mags2009]

One of my girls did the squat for me today also! How long before we can expect eggs??? They will be 21 weeks on Monday! Thanks!!!!

 

[chickendude]

Quote:
Probably about a week. At least that's the way it was for me.

 

[Chaz]

Good good, it wasn't just me...

After raising what I thought were two wild jungle fowl, (Delaware & Lakenfelder) that ran away from me if I moved even slightly, when they started laying, they started doing the chicken dance. Cracked corn rewards helped too. Now they see me as a food dispenser, make a racket, come running, stop, thump their feet, 1-2-3/left/right/left in a quick tattoo, and squat. I can pick them up too. Nice hen!

It is probably a mating behavior to show receptiveness.

 

[CHICKENBOY 1]

my hen started squating and then stoped soon after i got my first egg just wait and see.

 

[newchicksnducks]

Wilcezenskifarm - I have some breeds that were just more stand offish than others. Then there are the ones that you have to shuffle your feet in sweeping motions before moving because they are always under foot!

Once your girls start to lay, and hopefully shortly before, they may become more accepting or even seeking of human touch/companionship. While some of my girls were always pet-able, my EE and GLW were only that way once they were preparing to lay. Two EE still would rather run than be petted! Just enjoy their beauty and gifts anyways

My "squats" started anywhere from 1-3 weeks before the eggs...but they are on their way if your birds are squatting

 

[gsim]

One thing is apparent from all of these posts. No one here can be accused of not knowing squat!

 

[kcsunshine]

Good one!

 

[jomercer]

Quote:
All of our chickens have been handled every day by my 6 year old son and the rest of the family since they were 1 day old. So they are very comfortable being held. They feel safe. But I did notice they became more friendly just before the eggs started. If you want to have a more friendly flock spend as much time around them as you can.

It's just me and my DH, and we desperately tried to handle them as much as possible, but even when they were chicks they screamed. So everyday after work I have a glass of wine and sit with my hens in the run. They brush up against me, they peck at my feet, and seem to not mind me one bit... but if I try to reach out for them - forget it. I'll just have to be persistant and hopeful I guess

Splash a little wine for them to lap up--then maybe they'll get reeeal friendly!

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

No food or drink in the run with my crew!

DH and I were taking a break from working on a project the other day...I was having some Ruby Red Grapefruit juice when Violet (one of my largest Buff Orpingtons) landed on my drinking arm and stuck her bill in my glass.

I told her to get off of my drinking arm and DH just about fell out of his chair laughing.

Any time I have gone out eating something, they rush me and I'm lucky to be alive once it is over.

ETA: All of mine meet me at the door to the run every time I go in and out. I have to do the shuffle to get in or I'm stepping on toes with hens screaming.

3/4's of them are doing the squat; DH thinks it is so funny that they squat for him.