Submissive Hen Behavior or Mating Behavior?

[KentuckyRooster]

Some hens just do that for no reason (submitting maybe?). Some do it to be picked up. Some are horny lil betties and want to have a rooster come along. I have boys, a bunch of boys, and I have a hen who adores me. The feeling is mutual lol she is so cute, she follows me all round the yard and wants to be pet and fed and loved. When I want to pick her up, she squats for me. I know she gets a lot of rooster attention so I think she does it so I can pick her up easily.

 

[Patinas]

You say that now but when you start tripping over hens you'll change your mind....

Well, just as you predicted, I tripped over one yesterday! My mom and brother visited yesterday and the flock was out ranging. We were walking towards the coop to gather eggs and it happened...one squatted right in front of me and I didn't see it and down I go!

My brother thought it was hilarious and asked if I trip over them often and asked why the hen did that. My answer was, no, first time I've tripped on one and apparently the hen wants me to Spock her. That led into a discussion of your advice...to which my brother responded.. "Do that and you will be certifiable!" Totally cracked him up!

Meanwhile, my mother just stood there looking horrified! lol She still can't wrap her head around the fact that I've named them all and can tell them apart. She grew up on a farm and she says they never named them and they culled them regularly for meat so she has a hard time with the concept of chickens as pets.

Now I'm worried they might trip her at some point so I think I'll try and keep mom seated on the patio when she visits! I'll just warn her the hens may try and trip her because they think its funny...that ought to really throw her for a loop!

 

[Chickassan]

Uh huh, I do believe I told you so.