xsoggyx Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 Is there any tell tale signs or noises I should be looking for? Also when I go to pick them up they crouch and start shaking. If I neal the come up to me and again crouch down and start shaking. Is this a dance I should be doing or is it something else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iChicken Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 They crouch and do a little dance because they are expecting a cockeral to mount them If they aren't already laying they soon will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 . Is this a dance I should be doing? if you do, will you video it and post a link so we can see? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 Happy hens will cluck contendedly,scratch about & generally look bright & alert. If they sit or stand still,look hunched & miserable,its probably because they are! They are really simple creatures, & its easy to tell if all is OK once you get to know them. The crouching is a really good thing - means there will be lovely eggs on the way soon for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Licken Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 they will also make a lovely contented burble - almost a purr when they are enjoying themselves - sunbathing or dust bathing. Squawk when they want to free range and generally be nosey around the garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 They are getting ready to lay and are hoping you're a cock! Don't worry, very soon you'll get to know all of their funny little ways and noises. They have a way of making you understand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 my maran purrs all the time....little purry chirpy noises! Purring, chirping, eating, dustbathing, scratching, preening and sunbathing all signs of happy hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 My smallest girl, Toffee (seen in my current avatar) has just come back into lay following a major moult. I knew she was going to start laying again because she started crouching instead of running away. It's a sure sign that eggs are on their way! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xsoggyx Posted January 27, 2008 Author Share Posted January 27, 2008 Thanks al for your replies. We have had them since August and they laid their first egg in less than 24hrs from delivery. After seeing the recent TV progs about chickens I was a little concerned. Just interested to know their little ways. They do enjoy a dust bath and general mass desturction of the garden. Your posts confirm they are happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...