The Chicken "Squat"

[Lunachick]

I'm new at this. My husband sez he's seen this in the cartoons of chickens - the chicken squat - That's when you go over to one of them to pick one up and they just see you coming and then "squat" with their wings out just a little bit. Is this a classic chicken move? They do it everytime. I think it's adorable. Or are they just a little scared, and trying to get used to us? They don't move away, just squat and wait for the pick up. Any ideas?

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

I think this has to do with waiting for the rooster. My li'l ones (5wks) don't squat that's for sure. They are too busy running! But I think once they reach egg-laying age they will.

-Meghan

 

[chickbea]

They think you are a rooster coming to mate with them. The chickens who are lowest on the pecking order are the ones who will squat most readily.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yep. That's right. They think you are the roo.

 

[Lunachick]

OK! That makes sense! I still think it's cute.

 

[ThunderStruck]

Does yours kinda "stomp" its feet real fast too at the same time as the squat and wing spreading? My one laying (so far) girl does this.

Forrest

 

[Lunachick]

Yes Thunderstruck, I have two hens, and the "boss" Ruby does the stomp. The other one just squats. Interesting tho isn't it?

 

[Kelly FG]

I have a few that stomp & squat, my alpha hen ( I don't have roos) hardly squats, but she's kinda butchy
Its really funny when you pet them & rub their neck while they are squatting, they let out little squeels. Then when you're done they sort of shake it off, I guess that's the hens equivelent of smoking a cigarette after sex

 

[SpottedCrow]

True LOL