- Squatting behavior appears in all sources
- Molting is mentioned as a cause
- Egg binding/reproductive issues appear multiple times
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially B2/riboflavin) are mentioned
- Injuries to legs/feet are common causes
- Marek’s disease is mentioned across sources
- Bumblefoot appears in multiple sources
- Arthritis/joint issues are mentioned
Now I’ll create the article incorporating these entities appropriately.
Have you ever looked out at your backyard flock and noticed one of your hens walking in a strange, crouched position? This odd behavior can be concerning for any chicken keeper. As someone who’s raised chickens for years, I’ve encountered this issue more than once, and it always makes me worry about my feathered friends.
When a chicken walks in a squatting position instead of standing upright, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right. In this article, I’ll walk you through the common causes of chicken squatting while walking and share practical solutions to help your hen get back on her feet.
What Does Chicken Squatting Look Like?
Before we dive into the causes, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. A squatting chicken will:
- Walk with legs in more of a crouching position rather than standing upright
- Have its body closer to the ground than normal
- Sometimes have legs splayed out to the sides
- Move slowly and appear unstable or hesitant
- In severe cases, may touch the ground with its keel bone while moving
This is different from the normal “submissive squat” that hens do when they’re ready to mate That behavior is intentional and temporary, while squatting while walking is abnormal and persistent.
7 Common Causes of Chicken Squatting While Walking
1. Molting Discomfort
Molting is the natural process where chickens shed old feathers and grow new ones During this time
- New pin feathers can be painful as they grow in
- This discomfort might cause your chicken to squat down while walking
- Molting typically happens seasonally, often in fall
One of my Rhode Island Reds went through a particularly rough molt last autumn and started walking in a squat. I was worried at first, but after ruling out other issues, I realized the timing matched her molting cycle perfectly.
2. Egg-Related Issues
Female chickens can experience several egg-related problems that cause squatting:
- Egg binding: When an egg gets stuck in the oviduct, it presses on internal tissues, making standing upright painful
- Vent prolapse: The oviduct partially protrudes from the vent, causing discomfort
- Internal laying: Eggs released into the abdominal cavity instead of passing through the oviduct
- Egg yolk peritonitis: Inflammation caused by yolk in the abdominal cavity
These conditions are relatively common in laying hens and require prompt attention. A hen with egg binding will often stand in a “penguin stance” with her legs wide apart and may appear off-balance.
3. Vitamin Deficiencies
Nutritional imbalances can significantly impact your chicken’s mobility:
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency: Can cause hock-sitting and curled toes
- Vitamin D3, calcium, and phosphorus deficiencies: Lead to weak bones and skeletal problems
We once had a young pullet who started squatting while walking, and adding a B-complex supplement to her diet made a remarkable difference within days.
4. Leg and Foot Problems
Physical issues with the legs and feet are common causes of squatting:
- Injuries: Fractures, sprains, or dislocations from accidents in the coop
- Bumblefoot: A staph infection in the foot that causes painful abscesses
- Arthritis: Especially common in older chickens
My older Barred Rock developed arthritis after about 4 years, and she gradually began walking in a more squatted position to alleviate joint pain.
5. Marek’s Disease
Marek’s is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of chickens:
- Causes partial paralysis, particularly in the legs
- Makes it difficult for chickens to stand properly
- Is highly contagious
- Has no cure, though vaccination is available
If you suspect Marek’s, isolate the affected chicken immediately and consult a veterinarian.
6. Weight Issues
Just like humans, chickens can suffer from carrying too much weight:
- Excess weight puts stress on legs and joints
- Makes it difficult to walk normally
- Can lead to a squatting gait to distribute weight
Overfeeding treats and limiting exercise opportunities can contribute to obesity in chickens.
7. Other Health Conditions
Several other health issues can cause squatting behavior:
- Ascites (water belly): Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity
- Parasites: Heavy infestations of internal or external parasites
- Tumors: Particularly those affecting the reproductive tract
- Fowl cholera: A bacterial infection causing lameness
How to Diagnose the Cause of Squatting
When you notice your chicken squatting while walking, take these steps to identify the cause:
- Observe closely: Watch for additional symptoms like changes in appetite, droppings, or comb color
- Check for molting: Look for pin feathers and determine if they’re in a molting cycle
- Examine the legs and feet: Look for swelling, heat, wounds, or abnormalities
- Check the vent area: Look for signs of prolapse, pasted vent, or other issues
- Assess diet and weight: Consider if nutritional deficiencies or obesity might be factors
- Isolate the chicken: This prevents potential disease spread and allows for easier observation
Treatment Options for a Squatting Chicken
Depending on the underlying cause, here are some treatment options:
For Molting Discomfort:
- Provide soft bedding to make walking easier
- Use a hen saddle to protect tender new feather growth
- Increase protein in the diet (18-20%) to support feather regrowth
- Avoid handling the chicken unnecessarily
For Egg-Related Issues:
- For egg binding: Give warm Epsom salt baths and apply warm, moist compresses to the vent
- Apply lubricant like petroleum jelly to help pass a stuck egg
- Increase calcium intake for laying hens
- Consult a vet if symptoms persist more than 24 hours
For Vitamin Deficiencies:
- Supplement with vitamin B complex (especially for riboflavin deficiency)
- Ensure proper calcium and vitamin D3 intake
- Provide balanced chicken feed formulated for the appropriate life stage
For Leg and Foot Problems:
- Rest and isolation for injuries
- For bumblefoot: Soak foot in Epsom salt solution and consider antibiotics
- For arthritis: Anti-inflammatory medications (consult vet for proper dosage)
- Provide soft bedding and easy access to food and water
For Marek’s Disease:
- There is no cure, but supportive care can help
- Keep the chicken comfortable with soft bedding
- Consider humane culling if suffering is severe
For Weight Issues:
- Reduce treats and high-calorie foods
- Provide more opportunities for exercise
- Gradually transition to a lower-calorie feed
Preventing Squatting Issues in Your Flock
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here’s how to minimize the risk of squatting problems:
- Balanced nutrition: Provide a complete feed formulated for your chicken’s life stage
- Clean environment: Regularly clean the coop to prevent bacterial infections and parasite buildup
- Safe housing: Eliminate hazards that could cause injuries
- Adequate space: Overcrowding can lead to stress and injuries
- Vaccination: Consider vaccinating against preventable diseases like Marek’s
- Regular health checks: Monitor your flock for early signs of problems
When to Seek Veterinary Help
While many minor issues can be addressed at home, certain situations warrant professional help:
- Symptoms persist more than 48 hours despite home treatment
- The chicken stops eating or drinking
- You suspect egg binding that doesn’t resolve quickly
- There are signs of respiratory distress
- Multiple birds show similar symptoms
- The chicken seems to be in significant pain
FAQs About Chicken Squatting While Walking
Can a chicken recover from squatting?
Yes, depending on the cause. If the squatting is due to a temporary condition like molting or a minor injury, the chicken will likely recover with proper care. However, chronic conditions like advanced arthritis or Marek’s disease may not be reversible.
Is squatting while walking different from the mating squat?
Absolutely! The mating squat is a natural behavior where hens crouch down when a rooster (or sometimes a human) approaches. This is a temporary position taken intentionally. Squatting while walking is abnormal and indicates a health issue.
How can I tell if my chicken is egg bound?
An egg-bound hen will often appear penguin-like in stance, with her tail pointed downward. She may make frequent trips to the nesting box without laying, appear lethargic, and have a swollen abdomen. This is a serious condition requiring prompt attention.
Could mites or lice cause my chicken to squat?
While external parasites primarily cause skin irritation and feather loss, a severe infestation can weaken a chicken significantly. This weakened state can contribute to mobility issues, including squatting while walking.
Conclusion
When you notice your chicken squatting while walking, it’s important to take action quickly. This behavior is usually a sign that your hen is experiencing discomfort or health issues that need addressing.
By carefully observing additional symptoms and systematically ruling out potential causes, you can often identify and treat the underlying problem. Remember that early intervention gives your squatting chicken the best chance at recovery and a return to normal chicken activities.
Have you dealt with a squatting chicken in your flock? What was the cause, and how did you resolve it? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
What’s Behind a Chicken’s Squatting Behavior
Chicken squatting, which is also referred to as “lordosis,” occurs whenever a hen crouches to the ground, flattens her back, spreads her wings, and lowers her tail. Because of how vulnerable the chicken appears when doing this, it’s common for farmers to refer to this position as the “chicken submissive squat.”
There are two main reasons a chicken may display this squatting behavior — as a mating signal or as a form of protection.
When hens reach egg-laying maturity, they will signal roosters that they are receptive to mating by squatting down. During the mating season when hens are fertile, it’s common see them squat down whenever a rooster is around. When you start seeing your hens crouch, you can expect them to start laying eggs within a few days.
Because this behavior is a submissive signal, some younger hens might also squat in front of chickens that are higher up in your flock’s pecking order. They may even squat down when you pet them because of how strong their instinct is.
Some chickens may also squat as a way to protect themselves. That’s why chickens squat when you pet them. Even if they are receptive to a rooster, mating is often a rough process for hens. When breeding, some roosters may tear feathers off the hen’s neck or scratch her back with his talons. A hen squatting allows them to protect vulnerable areas of her body, like her stomach and head while still helping her stay upright.
Crouching also offers protection from predators — if a chicken is squatting in place, they attract less attention and present a smaller target. Just like in mating, their underbelly will also be more protected if the predator tries to attack.