Squatting when I pet her, is this normal hen behavior?

[4chickns]

I have a 5 month white silkie that squats when I pet him/her, but continues walking and doesn't put his wings out like I've heard they do when they "really" squat. I've posted pictures of him and was told he is definitely a she. So is this "sort of squat" a definite sign that he's a she, and just normal hen behavior? Or can roos do this too?
Thank you

 

[whenchickensdream]

I am very new to chickens. Our chickens have just started laying about a month ago and only the hens seem to squat. The roosters are just to jumpy to be petted.

 

[animal_lover03]

She may lay soon if shes really "squatting".

 

[CMV]

It means she views you as the dominant creature in the yard. Hens squat to show submission to their roosters.

 

[Hoosiermomma]

Do you have any pics of your silkie? We could tell you if it's a pullet or cockerel. Pullets usually do that when they are nearing the time when they will start laying or when they will allow the roo to mount them.

 

[4chickns]

She's only 5 months, so I can't imagine, being a silkie, that she's ready to lay yet. (I'm gathering that it's a she now because my roosters are starting to grab her on the back of the neck the past week or two, which is a mating thing, right?) She's been squatting when we pet her for quite a while, it's not a new thing. Is it generally hen-like behavior? Are these sure signs that she's a she? Her crown looks like a cross between our hen and roosters, all 5 months. She has a very small walnut looking thing, not as big as the roosters, and also a few points like the hen. The behavior is just a little confusing. Oh, and she sounds like a duck.

 

[MexiChicks]

My younger chickens (laying now) squat down and stick out their elbows a little bit when I pet them. I think they are scared, it's kind of funny. It's an improvement from when they would squack a run away when i'd put my hand out toward them. It also helps when I need to pick them up, it's easier than chasing them around the coop. That's interesting about the dominance thing. It's kind of like they freeze or brace themselves. Once I keep petting them they stop squatting a walk away slowly.

 

[4chickns]

I have heard that it can be a submissive thing, but when she squats she doesn't stick her wings out at all. I am noticing that my roos actually do it a little when I pet them too. Are they just shying away from me?
Does anyone know why she would make duck noises when the roos crow?
Thanks for all the help.