Squating

[Liadan]

Simple curiosity here, but sometimes when my son (4.5 yr old) runs at the chickens (because he is a limitless ball of energy) they squat down and kinda spread their wings out a bit. The rest of the time they just run out of his way. Curious as to why they squat like that??

Honestly I am surprised at how much my chickens tolerate, or maybe even enjoy my kids. The birds seem to flock to my kids (4.5 and 2). My son can often catch the birds and even when they run from him the stay JUST out of his reach, often stopping as soon as he does. Honestly it is pure joy to watch. He even seems to have a bond with Rook, our barred rock. She is definitely his favorite and she is one of the friendliest of the flock.

 

[redranger209]

The hens think you and your kids are roosters, and they
squat to show they’re receptive to umm... “mating”.

 

[Liadan]

HAHAH I kinda thought that was the case, but didn't want to assume.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Squatting = Laying soon if not already
You can do the pelvic check to know when they are laying = measure between the pelvic bone, > 2+ fingers she's laying

 

[Roosterrob21]

Not completely true. Fowl also do that as a sign of cowering. Just FYI. Could be either or both

 

[Liadan]

I have 6 birds and I'm getting 3-4 eggs a day. I've gotten 2 double yokers thus far.

Most days when I get 3 its because I am having issues getting them to lay exclusively in the boxes and they are hiding them around the barn.