They love playing in the hay

[Cheep]

I have a hay bale in my backyard, for the coop, but the hens just hang out there, digging burrows, etc. It's like a playground for them & now I have to rake the hay back together every so often.
They look like they might lay their first eggs there, I'm not too upset about that.
My question is: today, Trixie, my SLW

(ain't she purty?)? let me pet her & she just sat down.
I have seen more experienced BYCers mention, "squatting"or something like that - is that it? and does it mean she will lay an egg today??? LOL I gave her a good talking-to while I had her attention, & I felt deep down that she was hearing me.

 

[Mrs. K]

Dang that is one beautiful hen.

As to close, yes, you are definitely getting closer. As to when, ah that is the question, but soon.

I have a lot of hay in my run too, and every so often, I 'sweep' it up into a big pile, and they tear it all apart again. Sometimes I sprinkle the pile with some grain. It really works good in the winter, if snow is coming, I will pile it up, and after the snow, I spread it out on top of the snow. My girls will then spend time outside in the fresh air. they hate to walk in fresh snow.

I think the sweeping it up, scattering it out, mixing it with poo, really makes it great stuff for the compost pile come a good clean up in the spring. Mrs.K

 

[Cheep]

Thanks for the reply. And, thanks for admiring Trixie

What is the term for that behavior? (If there is one)
TIA

 

[Mrs. K]

egg squat

 

[Cheep]

Thanks - very descriptive

 

[Becky1961]

She's a pretty girl!

 

[pkw]

She is absolutely beautiful.

 

[Beckymca]

What a beautiful hen!!! I'm new and can't answer your question, but I too have a SLW, but she has no bootie, lol, Rooster was too busy. She was gifted to me about 3 weeks ago and I very much hoping her feathers grow back, now that there is no rooster and she is a lovely as your hen! Good luck with her!