[rcf100]

Had my ladies 2 weeks now, they're settling in nicely.  Whenever I go to open the door to their run they stand by the door and try and get out, when I try and walk past them they squat down, stick out their wings and do this ridiculous "I'm too big to be moved" impression.

Now I thought that was just them standing their ground in the hope that I may leave the door open, but I'm wondering if they're actually trying to keep me out?  The reason I ask this is when I went to put them to bed last night (they were in the house I wanted to shut the door) they came out.  I didn't give them chance to do anything as I put them back in.

So do you reckon they see me as an invader to their territory? Or is it just a little quirk of theirs in the desperate attempt to get to the green green grass of my garden?

[PaulineM]

Hi

I think them squatting down is them submitting to you and seeing you as the cockerel 

They are probably leaving their coop at night when you go in thinking there might be a treat coming for them 

They will protect their territory especially if (or should I say when) you introduce more hens.

Chickens really are such interesting little characters, they are always doing funny little things that set you thinking 

[rcf100]

It doesn't appear to be submissive, I'll get a picture next time.  There won't be more.  These 3 ladies have plenty of room, but I wouldn't want to over crowd them, and they're hybrids so when they start laying in the next couple of weeks, I will have more eggs than I know what to do with.

Quails....now there's a different story!  That's what I have my eyes on next spring, but hubby not going for it just yet, will have to work on him.  Took him a while to agree to our my chooks.

[ANHBUC]

They should be laying anytime soon if they are squatting when you try to get into their run.  Mine do this all the time.  If you leave it a little later so they have settled on their perch for the night that should stop them running back out.  They do associate you with food and treats so it is natural for them to race to see you.  PaulineM is right about them regarding you as the cockerel who would normally be the one letting them know where the food is.   

Good luck with persuading your hubby on getting quails, they really are nice to keep and you get lovely eggs.   

[splash101]

we have quails too, my daughter prefers their eggs to the chickens. I think its because they are the perfect size for her

[ANHBUC]

Their defensive posture is a bit like a them trying to imitate a peacock, head down tail up and all feathers puffed up!    

[rcf100]

They should be laying anytime soon if they are squatting when you try to get into their run. 

Well you couldn't be more right.  Egg no 1 today 

[ANHBUC]

First of many but always the most exciting.  Congratulations.