Picking up the chickens (and how they react)

[alex_s]

Hello, I'm new to chicken keeping but recently adopted two 16 week old black rock hens.

When we first got them they'd run away from you if you tried to pick them up but they'd be fine once you held them. Now they simply freeze and raise their wings (hunching, to look kinda like a vulture... it's very odd looking) one hen even stays in that position once you're holding her. Is this normal behaviour when you approach or pick up a hen?

 

[NicInNC]

Quote:
Two of my banties do that exact same thing. I've been told that they respect you when they do that. I think they're scared though.

I wish all my chickens reacted like that when I went to pick them up though. Makes it a lot easier when you're trying to round them up!

 

[fargosmom]

I've read somewhere that it actually is the posture they would adopt if a rooster was around and they were receptive to him; so a general sign of respect and submission is how I see it.

 

[purr]

they squat for you that's cute. a couple of mine do this for me I am always flattered.

 

[jenni2142]

egg squat is a good thing, mine used to do that but now they are more pets so they just hop on up on my lap or just wait for me to pick them up.

 

[msgenie516]

Hi,

Yes, they do that when they are coming into laying age. It's normal and nothing to be concerned about. Mine continue to do it no matter how old they are. Good luck with your chickens!

Genie

 

[Dr.Doorlock]

Quote:
This must be true. Today was the first day I got 6 eggs from my eight hens (instead of 2) and it's also the first time they let me "pet" them like we pet our dogs. I kinda thought they were posturing for a roo and found it most embarassing. I'm supposed to be their daddy, but they don't know what's happening to them.

Since I'm in the city, I can't have a roo, so I'm thinking of playing that Ambian commercial from the TV onto a recorder and playing it for them each morning.

Have I got it bad or WHAT!

 

[alex_s]

Thanks for all the replies. I think you were right about them coming into laying age, we got our first egg this morning

 

[Attack Chicken]

LOL I read somewhere else on here that someone has a contest to see home much their hens shake afterwards. I'll try to find the link.

 

[MHF]

Our 6 cluckers do the submission thing when I walk into the coop or run. When we first got them I would go into the coop at night and pick up each hen off of the roost and hold and pet them. Now I can pick them up anytime I like.
This is the same behavior that you see in dogs, submission to the leader, roleover on their backs and expoce their belly.