Strange behaviour

[charlielavin]

Hello,

One of my light sussex is doing something odd and I wondered if you have an idea why, I'm quite curious! she's only started doing this for the last couple of days when I go out to give them some corn (she might be doing when I'm not there of course! . She lies down on the ground like she's going to have a dust bath but on the grass. She only gets up when one of the other chickens goes up to her and pecks her.

Strange indeed, any ideas?

Charliex

 

[Davidd]

Hi, is she squatting down? with her wings slightly spread? If she is It's a sign of submission- she is waiting for you to mount her :shock: as a cockerel would. nothing to worry about- it's very common behaviour from chickens with no males around.
regards, David

 

[charlielavin]

Oh!

Well there you go! Wonder why she's taken it on herself to start doing it, the others don't bother. Does this mean she's getting to maturity (we're still waiting for our first egg!)?

Thank you for the reply Davidd, knowledgeable as always!

Charliex

 

[Davidd]

Hi, yes, she is getting mature-the rest will do it eventually with no male around. some people say they do it when they are nearing laying- but that's not true- some of mine do it and they are ancient and they have a cockerel in with them- guess they just love me :lol: :lol:
regards, David

 

[charlielavin]

Am I being bad by not letting them have a cockerel? If I were to get one what breed would be best suited to my little mixed flock? She must be pretty desperate by submitting to me! :lol:

 

[snifter]

Am I being bad by not letting them have a cockerel?

Not at all. You really don't need to keep a cock bird with hens.

I'd suggest only getting a cock bird if you seriously intend to breed, hatch and rear your own. And even if you do that you then have to be prepared for more cockerels from the eggs you would hatch and what to do with them all.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a hen that does exactly the same thing. If I call her name loudly and approach her, especially from behind, she squats down, wings slightly spread open on the floor and shakes. I usually kneel down and stroke her. She seems content for a few minitues and then stands up and walks off.

 

[Lucylou]

Charlie, I don't keep a cockerel & my girls are fine. They also do this squatting down pose, I think its sometimes when they feel threatened, if I'm there behind them & they hadn't realised for instance.

I got my little flock as young birds & it turned out I had 3 cockerels Believe me, if you live in a built up area you don't want a cock crowung at 4.30 in the morning Luckily I was able to 'swap' the boys for girls.