squatting

[DoDa]

Yep, mating behavior. We didn't have a rooster our first year and thought it was very novel that the girls would squat for a little pet. Then we kept a rooster this year and saw what the behavior was really all about. It didn't seem as novel when we realized they thought we were roosters and they were preparing for, ahem. But hey, I think a little scratch on the neck is better than our clown-foot rooster climbing aboard. Then again, I don't always see things the way my hens do.

What I find interesting is the squatters verses non-squatters. Some didn't because they didn't like the rooster much, some just seemed less submissive in general. It makes sex-ed more complicated when your with a child and you see a rooster CHASING an unwilling hen for some action.

 

[blueskylen]

it may be weird, but i always give the ones who squat a nice firm petting , they seem to like it and really fluff up their feathers and shake them out afterward. i think that it makes them tamer, raises their fertility, and makes egg laying a bit easier for them. i am probably wrong, but i would rather that they will like me and be used to my touch instead of biting me when i gather eggs.

 

[Hen Daddy]

Quote:
I agree.