Looking for love

[Stacyoung13]

Just a quick question, do hens actively seeking out the roos for mating? Or is it just the roos that get in the mood. I've never noticed my hens asking for love. Just curious.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Occasionally a hen will seek out the rooster, but generally they are running from him because it isn't pleasant and the act of mating is quite often for some. I mostly see young pullets interested in the males attention, but usually not for long.

 

[ChickenLeg]

I had a white ameraucana hen, & everytime a rooster was nearby she'd act like she was running then would stop lay down and stick up her tail feathers haha... sometimes they would mate other times they wondered what the heck she was doing haha.. She definitely was seeking it, but that was the only hen I've had that just asked to be mated with.

 

[chickens really]

The crouching is just an instinctive thing Hens/Pullets do when mature. They aren't really asking to be bred but will submit to the Rooster. Most times they run like the wind..

 

[Shadrach]

Just a quick question, do hens actively seeking out the roos for mating? Or is it just the roos that get in the mood. I've never noticed my hens asking for love. Just curious.

Of course they do. They like many creatures have an investment strategy.
Hens will run from roosters they do not want to mate with; even fight them in some cases. In the event that they are overpowered hens have the ability to prevent unwanted sperm from reaching the egg.
Hens pick the roosters they think will provide the best genes for their young is the simplest explanation. A hen will crouch for the rooster of her choice and avoid others. It’s not as simplistic as is often cited.

 

[Callender Girl]

None of my hens of any breed have shown any interest in being bred. I always know when Sir Henry the Loud is on the prowl because Honey, my Buff Orp, will begin screaming bloody murder if he even gets close. That's apparently the signal for all the other hens to run off as fast as they can.

However, as long as he is penned up, everyone -- myself included -- seems to enjoy watching his "check me out" dance.