Squatting chicken?

[Sarah g 12]

One of my tetra tint pullets, the one we think started laying eggs three days ago, keeps doing this weird squatting thing when I go near her to pick her up or something. She'll squat down with her wings partially spread open and holds perfectly still, and she doesn't struggle or anything when I pick her up. Does anyone know why she does this?

 

[terryg]

Squatting is what a hen does when she is mature and laying. It is how she lets the rooster know that he can mate. That doesn't mean that she expects you to mate with her! What it does mean is that she recognizes you as the flock leader. That's a good thing. It also makes the hen easier to pick up.

 

[donrae]

It's a sign of submission and receptivness to mating. Personally, that's why I keep roosters with my hens. The rooster takes care of their mating needs so they're not squatting in front of me all the time. I find it distasteful.

 

[ChickInDelight]

Penny, in my Avatar, is my only chicken to squat. (I have no roosters.) She loves to be picked up, pet and talked to. Yes, she is standing on a TV in the picture. She goes thru 2 doggy doors to come into the house. If I am late getting up in the morning, she comes right to my room.

Penny is VERY intelligent and affectionate. My darlings free-range, so I find it very convenient that Penny squats so I can pick her up.

I think your chicken really likes you.

 

[Chickinn]

I want a chicken like Penny!!! I would love for mine to wake me up in the morning