I like that exercise too.. its a good indicator which birds are fast and strong. I dont know what to look for as far as "ready to counter attack" but I am guessing the faster to their feet the better.Hey sdm11 did you mention you have blue mugs? i thought someone did. I was just wondering. so all my biddies have very unique feather coloring. I think its from the mclean hatch blood but im not positive. One of my hens has stags that are very quick. i lay them on their back to condition them by letting them flip themselves back over and i have two stags that are extremely fast at this and as soon as they flip back over they stay low to the ground and ready to counter attack.
IMO, The ones that do real good on this exercise tend to flip over quick (the same direction you turn them over) and almost jump away from me. I catch them midair sometimes and pull them back (by the base of their tail) so their feet drag like they are gripping the ground. Great exercise.
I noticed ones that are weak (or sick at the time) will give up and just lay on their back after a dozen times or so. The good keep going until I get tired of it.