Chuckov Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I have seen lots of posts with people saying their chickens are crouching in the run up to laying their first egg, but what exactly does it look like? Is it just when they lie down, because they're doing it like they're propped up on one leg? Does anyone have a photo of their chicken crouching so I know what to look out for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 (edited) I don't have a photo, but it's unmistakable when you see it! The hen typically freezes, holds her wings out to the side, looks nervous and lowers her body - it's as if she has seen a predator. Sometimes she "tap-dances" on the spot, sometimes she just remains utterly still. She only does this when you (the surrogate cockerel) get within about a foot of her. Hope this helps! Edited March 27, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckov Posted March 27, 2008 Author Share Posted March 27, 2008 Thanks Anne, I have visions of tap dancing chickens now brandishing a cane and a top hat I don't think my girls have been crouching yet then, perhaps a little too early to expect eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 crouching is like squatting. If you approach your hen or move your hand low above her back she should suddenly stop still and both her wings move out in a squatting position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 Thanks Anne, I have visions of tap dancing chickens now brandishing a cane and a top hat Very Fred and Ginger! It's very sweet when it happens - my youngest girl has just started today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckov Posted March 27, 2008 Author Share Posted March 27, 2008 crouching is like squatting. If you approach your hen or move your hand low above her back she should suddenly stop still and both her wings move out in a squatting position. Ah well, Mine still leg it off up the garden when I come near so we are definitely not at the crouching stage! Although bizarrely, they are quite happy for my toddler to walk up and pet them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah B Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I had my first crouch tonight, don't worry you won't mistake it for anything else! Madras just bokked and got in front of me and erm presented herself! She crouched to the floor with her tail slightly raised and wings tucked in but slightly apart from her body in an 'elbow' out position She stayed like it while I bokked back and gave her a fuss and a stroke for being such a clever girl and was still doing it 20 secs later after I had moved on and started scattering mixed corn! I felt guilty I was not the cockerel she was expecting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 (edited) It is true....you won't mistake it....They flatten themselves to the ground, stick their elbows out and lift their bottoms into the air. Edited March 27, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 ....they are quite happy for my toddler to walk up and pet them. My chooks love DD more than me too. She spent ages in the run today sitting on her little garden chair with her pekin on her lap, chatting to her and handfeeding her grit(!) - this is the same chook who runs a mile from anyone else, even with treats! Re crouching - you will definitely know it when you see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckov Posted March 28, 2008 Author Share Posted March 28, 2008 ....they are quite happy for my toddler to walk up and pet them. My chooks love DD more than me too. She spent ages in the run today sitting on her little garden chair with her pekin on her lap, chatting to her and handfeeding her grit(!) - this is the same chook who runs a mile from anyone else, even with treats! Re crouching - you will definitely know it when you see it. Aaah - have just been to look at your pics on the Gallery - what lovely chickens, am especially taken with your silver laced wyandotte! They definitely look like they're fond of your daughter - maybe it's because they're a bit nearer the ground than grown ups!! My dd is only 22 months but when I pick her up from nursery, the first thing she says isn't hello Mummy, but 'bok bok bok'!! My husband thinks I am making it up but she is definitely very attatched to them and they to her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muzzie Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 It is true....you won't mistake it....They flatten themselves to the ground, stick their elbows out and lift their bottoms into the air. This is it perfect discription Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckov Posted March 28, 2008 Author Share Posted March 28, 2008 It is true....you won't mistake it....They flatten themselves to the ground, stick their elbows out and lift their bottoms into the air. Utter floosies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 28, 2008 Share Posted March 28, 2008 Aaah - have just been to look at your pics on the Gallery - what lovely chickens, am especially taken with your silver laced wyandotte! Shame she's such a grumpy madam, she's my least friendly chicken, which is why I can't get a decent photo of her. Good egg layer though, 6 a week at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
