Shaking like a dog?

[WingItRanch]

I have a weird question... do pullets and cockerels shake themselves like a dog after mating?

Background: I have 11 pullets and 1 cockerel. They're all be 23 weeks old on Wednesday. The cockerel is not crowing and the pullets are not laying egg. (Don't get me started on the anticipation.)

The cockerel has been making some attempts at mating. He's grabbed a couple pullets by the back of the neck but then quickly lets go when they yell at him. However, last week I caught him lifting a wing and "dancing" around one particular pullet. My only Blue Australorp. She's the only that doesn't seem to run from him but I've never seen her squat. Or any of them squat for that matter.

Today I was cleaning the coop and when I turned around both the Australorp and my Olive Egger cockerel were right next to each other.. shaking it off. When I turned, I swear I caught them so close it appeared they were huddled. It happened so fast. Did I just catch the tail end of a mating?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes. I've seen that happen quite a bit. Not sure why other than you mussed my feathers. I also see them shake like a dog after dust bathing.

And yes mating happens very quickly. I let out a rooster into a penned Cream Legbar hen to get fertile eggs wondering how long I'd have to leave the rooster in the pen. I didn't get the gate closed before they were both "shaking it off."

LofMc

 

[EggSighted4Life]

do pullets and cockerels shake themselves like a dog after mating?

I've also had them "shake it off" after I pet them.. especially the ones that have squatted for the petting.

According to my reading.. hens can even reject sperm from unwanted donors!

ETA: I've seen dogs shake it off with scolding and play.. but not after mating.

 

[WingItRanch]

I tried googling but wasn't even sure how to phrase my question. Figured BYC community would know what I meant haha. I did finally find a small comment saying the hens will shake the sperm "into place." Hopefully this means the girls are finally maturing and I'll get some eggs soon!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

why other than you mussed my feathers.

That's what it looks like to me, too. You rattled my petticoats, Dude!