What is the squat I keep reading about?

[ChicksR4Me]

I keep reading about chickens doing the squat... I already have some chickens laying for about a year now and I feel kinda dumb that I don't know what the squat looks like.

I have 5 EE that are 22 weeks old and 3 of them have a really red comb and face... I heard that is a sign. Now I want to look for the squat. But I'm not real sure what I'm looking for. Also my DB thinks if we let the rooster get to them it might speed up the process and get them laying but I don't think that will do any good. Ok so back to my original question. Can anyone explain to me what the "squat" looks like? Thanks
Here is a picture of one of my pretty girls.

 

[Mahonri]

They get close to the ground, and spread their wings out so they can get mounted.

Doesn't sound right, but it's EXACTLY what they do.

 

[MiniBeesKnees]

Huh...thanks...I wondered too.

 

[ChicksR4Me]

ooohhhh My! I get it now. Will they do that even if there is no rooster in with them? I have a rooster I could put in with them if that would get them laying sooner. Maybe DB was right?

 

[CMV]

Mine get close to the ground, spread their wings slightly away from their bodies and do this little foot stamping thing with their heads lowered. It's very characteristic and when you see it for the first time you will say to yourself "Oh, so that's the squat I've been hearing about..."

Try to pet your hens when they are out free-ranging and they will frequently squat for you.

 

[CityClucks]

Quote:
Yes, they'll do it even with no rooster - if you've been around them every day and they recognize you as the Bringer of Treats, they'll treat you as the rooster. Putting a rooster in with them will not induce them to lay any sooner.

 

[Wildsky]

You don't know squat?

(sorry - couldn't help myself!)

 

[ChicksR4Me]

Quote:
lol

I'm learning.

 

[chickon baby]

Dont feel bad,I didnt know what it was either!!! I learned from my fellow BYC friends.I dont have a roo and when I pet mine they squat,however they dont put they're wings out at all.

 

[KKatknap]

Quote:

(My dad always used to say that)