New Hampshire Reds Ducking/Squating

[analyticalblonde]

So I have two young New Hampshire Reds that I have raised since day-old. While in the brooder, I picked them up and handled them with all of the love any person on this site would do. They are now about 19-20 weeks old and when I go into the run/coop area, they squat/lower themselves down as if I about to hit them. They seem to fear me! I haven't done anything to them to make them fear me...they act as if someone has hit them and are now afraid of me. My flock has 2 Lavender Orpingtons, 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Barred Rocks, 2 Ameraucanas, and then the 2 NHRs. I just got my two first eggs...the first being almost store-bought sized and the second quite a bit smaller...they are about 19-20 weeks old now. I am concerned that my NHRs are fearful of me but I don't know why...I love my girls and never have done anything to make them feel afraid of me...why do my girls squat down as if they are waiting for a blow to their heads? It doesn't make any sense to me...my husband thinks I spoil them "way" too much but I just can't help myself in over-indulging to make them happy and healthy. Can anyone tell me why they cower? I will say that some of my movements in the run may seem a bit overwhelming and I am so much bigger then they are so I can see how me, being a giant, can seem scary but I sing to them while I am with them and if I move to be in front of them, they squat/cower down to the ground...I am sad to see this...can anyone tell me if this is normal?

 

[featheredplanets]

They’re not scared of you. They’re just getting closer to laying. Squatting is a sign of maturity, as hens do it for the rooster to mate them. It’s not cowering and it’s not fear. It’s normal, point of lay, pullet behaviour.

 

[Beccazon]

You are gonna have eggs soon if not already! Squatting is a very good sign of that! Don't worry, they still love youjust showing they are naturally ready for maturity and mating and EGGIES!

 

[analyticalblonde]

They’re not scared of you. They’re just getting closer to laying. Squatting is a sign of maturity, as hens do it for the rooster to mate them. It’s not cowering and it’s not fear. It’s normal, point of lay, pullet behaviour.

Thank you so much for the info...I was beginning to wonder if there was something she was trying to tell me...So much to learn in the first year!

 

[analyticalblonde]

You are gonna have eggs soon if not already! Squatting is a very good sign of that! Don't worry, they still love youjust showing they are naturally ready for maturity and mating and EGGIES!

@Beccazon Your post was so sweet and full of fun & joy...thank you for your info...so very happy on this end!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Squatting means you can expect eggs as soon as 10-14 days from onset. If you want to encourage the behavior (which I do as it makes them easier to catch) you can "be the rooster" by rubbing them firmly at the base of their tail for a few seconds. They'll likely fluff themselves out after, then walk off.

 

[analyticalblonde]

Squatting means you can expect eggs as soon as 10-14 days from onset. If you want to encourage the behavior (which I do as it makes them easier to catch) you can "be the rooster" by rubbing them firmly at the base of their tail for a few seconds. They'll likely fluff themselves out after, then walk off.

Hi @rosemarythyme When you say to rub them at the base of their tail, do you mean on the backside or on the vent side?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hi @rosemarythyme When you say to rub them at the base of their tail, do you mean on the backside or on the vent side?

Backside. Sort of like how you'd scratch a dog's neck, just do it on their backs close to the tail. If the pullet hunkers lower and/or raises her tail, you're doing it right.

 

[analyticalblonde]

Backside. Sort of like how you'd scratch a dog's neck, just do it on their backs close to the tail. If the pullet hunkers lower and/or raises her tail, you're doing it right.

Thank you! What a great idea...going to try it and see if the girls like it

 

[The Moonshiner]

you can "be the rooster" by rubbing them firmly at the base of their tail for a few seconds. They'll likely fluff themselves out after, then walk off.

too funny.
That's more love then I'm willing to give.