Pullets "hunkering down'

[jpfenimore]

I'm not really sure how to phrase this. My nearly 6 month old girls, who usually run to me whenever I am within eye-shot but shy away from letting themselves be within arms reach, have recently started what I'll call "hunkering down" right in front of me, sort of like squatting. I've taken it as a sign that they want me to pet them so I do... like a cat! I gently massage their skinny little necks and stroke their backs. They seem to like it. Is this normal? Is it a sign of something? Thanks for any advice offered!

 

[LRH97]

It's pretty normal. Some say it's a sign that they are going to start laying soon. I know my girls squat when my roo comes near them, and every once and a while, they do it in front of me. As long as they're acting normally, there should be nothing to worry about..

 

[jpfenimore]

Oh my! Thank you @LRH97 ! I was hoping that might be what they are signaling. I'm on pins and needles waiting to get my first eggs!

 

[LRH97]

Oh my! Thank you @LRH97 ! I was hoping that might be what they are signaling. I'm on pins and needles waiting to get my first eggs!

It's very exciting! One of the most memorable experiences.

 

[iwiw60]

Yes, your girls are going to start laying any day now. What you're seeing is known as the "submissive squat" ...

 

[Happy Chooks]

I'm not really sure how to phrase this. My nearly 6 month old girls, who usually run to me whenever I am within eye-shot but shy away from letting themselves be within arms reach, have recently started what I'll call "hunkering down" right in front of me, sort of like squatting. I've taken it as a sign that they want me to pet them so I do... like a cat! I gently massage their skinny little necks and stroke their backs. They seem to like it. Is this normal? Is it a sign of something? Thanks for any advice offered!

That is called the squat. She is submitting to the rooster (you) for mating. It means that if she is mature enough for mating, she is also mature enough to start laying eggs. Thus, you will be getting eggs soon.

 

[4mountainchicks]

Very helpful. I was wondering about this behavior. One of my hens was very shy but now when I go out she squats right in front of me. Hopefully eggs soon!

 

[LI chickie]

It also makes it really easy to pick them up!

 

[Sassyhens1]

Very true! You should see eggs any day now. I have 11 RIR"s 20 wks and 9 are laying. We have only 2 who do not do the 'squat' and I would bet they are the two not laying. They also have small (not so red cones).