Squatting question

[Morgan7782]

I have 5 pullets ranging in age from 3 months to 5 months. I was wondering about the squatting behavior. My head hen is a 4 month old Barred Rock, and I am expecting my 5 month old Brahma to lay first. If she begins squatting for me, will she start stopping and squatting when my Barred Rock goes to chase her? I am just curious because right now the Brahma runs from the Barred Rock and I would hope she wouldn't stop and freeze or anything to be pecked on. Thanks for any information!

To reiterate/clarify: Will my lower ranking hens stop and squat for the higher ranked girls?

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

With the abscence of a rooster in your flock, you are the rooster. The girls will squat for you but should not squat for each other. When a hen starts to squat then they are starting to reach sexual maturity. I would say that your Brahma will probably be the last one to start laying as they are really slow to mature. It is not unusual for them to go 8 to 10 months before laying their first egg.

 

[Morgan7782]

Oh alright cool, just wanted to make sure she wouldn't stop for the Barred Rock. Thanks for the tips!