crouching hens

parsleypig · « **on:** November 22, 2008, 16:50 »

Hi all,

I have three hens, a Light Sussex, Nera, and a Black Tail which we got as POL in the middle of September. The Nera (Betty) starting laying a few weeks ago and now crouches if you go near her. Now, Gloria the Light Sussex has started doing the same crouching thing but isn't laying yet - as far as I know. What is this crouching thing they do? Is it to do with their sexual maturity?

thanks,
Anna

ps I hope to post some pictures of my girls later on chicken chat

Vember · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2008, 17:04 »

Yup they've reached sexual maturity

They are waiting to be mounted by Mr Cockerel

Sarah

Vickie & Richard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2008, 17:08 »

Quote from: "Vember"

Yup they've reached sexual maturity
They are waiting to be mounted by Mr Cockerel

Sarah

All mine squat down for me now, as they are all laying. It always makes me laugh when they do this. The last one to start laying is very flirty, if you stroak her when she crouches down, she start fluffy her feathers (what a tart!!).

parsleypig · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2008, 17:12 »

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for your reply. I only noticed Betty doing it after she started laying so should I be combing the garden for a stash of eggs somewhere?

I feel almost a little sad for them since Mr Cockerel will not be visiting

Anna

Vember · « **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2008, 17:20 »

You could have a look round her favorite places in the garden.
If she's only just started crouching she might not have got to the laying stage yet

Also bare in mind that magpies & crows will take eggs so they could be vanishing before your able to check

Sarah

karlooben · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2008, 18:50 »

is that really true , i always thought it was them being totally scared my god i have learnt something new again

GrannieAnnie · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2008, 23:58 »

We learn something new every day on here Karlooben!!!!

Kiwi · « **Reply #7 on:** November 23, 2008, 00:17 »

haha I thought it was cos mine loved me so much they wanted a cuddle - everytime they do this I pick them up and hug them!

Old Whiskers · « **Reply #8 on:** November 23, 2008, 17:28 »

Quote from: "Kiwi"

haha I thought it was cos mine loved me so much they wanted a cuddle - everytime they do this I pick them up and hug them!

Afraid to say they're lookin' for a bit more than a cuddle!

Kiwi · « **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2008, 19:52 »

oo'er

parsleypig · « **Reply #10 on:** November 24, 2008, 09:38 »

I am very pleased to say that my crouching hen, Gloria, laid her first egg yesterday. Well I think it was her as Betty had already laid one that morning and I don't think Henny is ready. It was covered in that calcium wash that I read about on the forum a few weeks ago but I guess as it was her first it took longer to lay.

The big question is will I get another egg today or will she make me wait another 10 days like Betty did ?

Sarah Mitchell · « **Reply #11 on:** November 25, 2008, 15:07 »

Hello Parsley

I believe it's a sex thing... they see you as the cockerel and are crouching to let you, how should I say, um... mount them... bless them...

This ties in with them starting to lay as they've reached maturity

Hope this helps

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