Why does a chicken squat and lift wing shoulders when entering pen?

[Sing2songs]

When I enter the pen and get close to a chicken, (which is always since they all rush to greet me to see what I have for treats) the closest one will squat and lift the wings a little. Although this is a great time to pick them up to love them and squeeze them, I was wondering if this is a sign of affection or a protection stance. Any thoughts out there?

 

[azygous]

It's a reflex action to anything above or behind. It can be a rooster, a bully hen, you coming up quickly behind the hen, or a hawk in the sky coming down overhead.

It has nothing to do with fond feelings for you.

 

[tcstoehr]

This is generally recognized as the "submit" position. When a rooster approaches for mating and she is agreeable to it, she will "assume the position" for mating to occur. This is at an instinctual level that gets a bit confused with people. I just figure they think of me as the giant alpha male rooster of the group. It's not that they want to mate with you, it's more like a dog rolling over submissively.

 

[tcstoehr]

After reading what azygous said above, I think it could be either his explanation or mine, depending on the situation.