What is this squatting you speak of?

[CityGirlintheCountry]

So one of my girls has started sitting down when you pet her back. She tucks her feet under her and sits like she's roosting. Is this the squatting you speak of? She's 18 weeks old and very red in the face. Should I start looking for eggs? Please??!!

 

[Wynette]

Some folks say they squat when you pet them just before beginning to lay; mine ALWAYS squat when I pet them - pullets and hens. Good luck! I usually go by their combs beginning to get very red and often puffy looking. Sounds like your girl is getting close! 18 weeks is pretty young - you're lucky!!

 

[Hen Daddy]

Sounds like it. We had not seen it before either.
Its pretty much unmistakeable from anything else that we have seen.
Ours sits on the ground, spreads her wings out and you can pet her back.
Timeframe we have been told is about 2 weeks after that when she will lay. Although our GLW Penny layed 2 days after she first squatted for me.

 

[vfem]

Mine squats when I pet her, but only if she hasn't laid yet that day. She starting doing it only a day before her first egg.

 

[donnap1967]

Mine do that all the time. Hens and roosters alike. So I guess I am not going to know when the laying will begin. It will be a surprise.

 

[setter4]

Quote:
My red sex links started to lay within about 7-10 days of starting this! Good luck!!

 

[Chirpy]

When chickens squat it is to show submission. That's why hens squat for the rooster... he's in charge and she's acknowledging that. You are a rooster to your hens and they are showing you that they know you are in charge.

I've never seen any scientific evidence that supports when people say a chicken squats shortly before she's going to lay. I'm open if someone can prove that ....

 

[Wynette]

Makes sense, Chirpy. I think that folks THINK this is a sign...but I think most folks only begin to watch for it around laying time. JMO. Wish it were true...if so, every one of my 12 juveniles that hasn't yet begun to lay would have been laying by now!

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

But is this sitting down the squatting everyone speaks of or is she just sitting down?

This egg thing would be easier if their beak would flash on and off first or if a big sign with a flashing arrow would pop up over their head...

 

[Jenski]

Flashing arrow signs would take away all the fun! The surprise of opening the coop and finding your first egg ~ well, you just can't even put a price on it.

Enjoy this time, it's like Christmas coming!