Hen Crouching: Why Do Hens Squat When Approached?
If you’ve ever walked toward a hen and watched her crouch low to the ground, you might wonder what’s going on. This behavior is common and completely normal. Let’s break down why hens crouch and what it means for your flock.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Hens crouch to communicate social dynamics, signaling submission and hierarchy within the flock.
- Mounting behavior among hens is social, not sexual, and reflects the pecking order.
- Larger breeds, like Orpingtons, are more likely to crouch in the presence of humans, indicating submission.
- Hen mounting is a normal behavior and doesn’t affect their ability to lay eggs.
Social Dynamics: Hen Mounting Explained
A hen mounting a hen is social, not sexual, behavior. If there’s a rooster in the flock he is almost always the dominant bird. Before mating, a hen crouches low to the ground and slightly spreads her wings enabling him to climb on and mate. The crouching posture also signifies submission.
In an all-female flock a submissive hen will go into a crouch and be mounted by a female higher in the pecking order. The dominate hen is asserting her place in the pecking order and not mating.
Why Do Hens Crouch for Humans?
Large breeds like Orpingtons or Brahmas are more likely to crouch when a person approaches than lighter breeds. If you hover over a hen and she crouches, she’s signaling that you’re the boss. This makes it easy to pick her up gently.
Is Hen Mounting Normal?
Absolutely. A hen that mounts another hen remains female and will continue to lay eggs. This behavior is natural and nothing to worry about.
