New to chickens...

[MoonFaeree]

hello. I read that hens that are getting close to laying will show signs of maturity. One of which is ‘bracing’. Do Roos also brace? Or is this just a hen behavior???

 

[Crow-ded house]

I only have had chickens almost 3 yrs so still have a lot to learn so do not know what bracing is but welcome!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!!!
Sorry, i have never heard that term used with chickens except when bracing or splinting their legs...

 

[Clousic Chicks]

Are you talking about squatting? Hens about ready to lay will squat if you hold your hand above them...at least that's what mine have done. Wide-open, palm side down...if they squat, they'll be laying soon!

 

[CannedMonster]

Not all hens squat.
My 4 one year old hens never did it.
I only knew from comb and wattles and their age.

 

[aart]

Are you talking about squatting?

That's what I figured 'bracing' means...never heard that term either.
Squatting and pelvic spread can come days or weeks before laying.
IME the sign that come closest to laying is messing of the nests.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[MoonFaeree]

Bracing is the position the hen goes to in preparation for a rooster..... which is why I’m wondering if roosters brace as well...

hello. I read that hens that are getting close to laying will show signs of maturity. One of which is ‘bracing’. Do Roos also brace? Or is this just a hen behavior???

 

[aart]

Squatting or bracing is a submissive position either for mating or acceptance of another birds domination.....yes, males will submit to dominant males.

@MoonFaeree bracing is a term I've never heard before, are you located in the USA?

 

[MoonFaeree]

I just read somewhere that a hen can crow but a Roo will not squat... so confusing . I have a silkie and cannot for the life of me figure out its sex. I fear it’s a Roo but he’s never crowed (yet) and he/she squats for me.... 16 weeks+ old. My other girls are also starting to squat. One squatted really well for about 3-5 days then she started laying eggs.... fingers-crossed I have another hen

Squatting or bracing is a submissive position either for mating or acceptance of another birds domination.....yes, males will submit to dominant males.

@MoonFaeree bracing is a term I've never heard before, are you located in the USA?

I

 

[MoonFaeree]

Yes I’m in the US . I saw it on a YouTube video

Squatting or bracing is a submissive position either for mating or acceptance of another birds domination.....yes, males will submit to dominant males.

@MoonFaeree bracing is a term I've never heard before, are you located in the USA?