strange behavior

[jesskoot]

My Austrolorpe, which is 21 wks, has started 'squatting' and thumping her right foot on the ground when I reach to pet or pick her up? She never did this before - any ideas? No observation of harrassment from the other three....

 

[wombat]

She's getting close to laying age. It's a submissive / mating behavior.

She's probably spreading her wings out a bit as well, or soon will.

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
I don't know about the foot thumping, but the squatting is usually submission to the roo (you in this case) and is one of the indicators of maturity. Is she laying yet? If not, I bet it will be in the next week or two.

ETA: I don't type fast enough.

 

[Scoot58]

Mine thump their feet sometimes too when they squat. I give mine a nice strong pat and talk to them when they squat. It is a sign of them maturing and they should lay soon.

 

[jesskoot]

Thanks to everyone for replying = I am so excited to learn that she may lay eggs soon I'll be watching her like a h_wk!