Why is squatting causing aggressive behavior??

[Cicely]

Hi all,
Why when my hens squat does it cause a fight?? I have no roosters but when I approach them they often do the "squatting" thing.
Recently, If they stay in that position and another hen is close by they attack her and it turns into an all out brawl. Is this normal behavior?
Thanks!!!

 

[sourland]

Jealousy is a green eyed monster.

 

[aart]

I had this just happen this morning and have seen it before....doesn't always happen and luckily my rooster doesn't object to my handling the hens.

I was holding a hen and checking her out, when I put them down I don't let them go right away just gently hold on until calm then let go, they are not squatting....another hen came over and started pecking the held one...so I grabbed her for a check over.

Not sure if it's jealousy, that's a human emotion, but it might be some kind of territoriality and/or dominance. I find watching their behaviors fascinating.

 

[sourland]

aart, I doubt that it was jealousy - just a feeble attempt at humor on my part. Far more likely an attempt at improving rank by attacking an apparently submissive hen.