Now I understand what you mean by squatting

We got our chicks at the end of March and have been patiently (okay, okay, so really impatiently) waiting for our first egg. I read the forums and study, read books on chickens as we've never done this before. That's where i was reading that when a chicken begins to "squat" in front of you that you'll be getting eggs soon.

So, today I'm in the backyard putting the little ones back on their half of the coop/run (we have a duplex) as they were in the outside run today and I put my hand on the big girls side to fix the waterbottle and low and behold, BAM, Catherine of Aragon squats and lets me pet her back (she is usually more skittish and runs from me unless I have a cucumber in hand). I petted her back, and noticed that she also flatttened her back and spread out her wings a bit. I was stunned. So, i let her go back to her normal routine and left her for a few minutes, then went back and put my hand in the run again and she did it again.

So, now I'm REALLY eggcited. How much longer do I need to wait for my first egg. She's a silverlaced wyandotte and my other gal, Anne Bolyn, is an Aracauna (yes, a real one, no tail and tufts...got it at D&B Supply so I think i lucked out on that), but i know from what i've read that they lay later than the SLW's.

I can't wait.

Yes, squatting is very distinct and noticeable. Congrats on your hen performing it! Judging by the red face, the eggs should be arriving ANY day. Keep your eyes open and make sure she knows where the nests are.

thank you. we have had the nests ready for weeks and i even have fake eggs in them. She goes in the coop a lot lately. Anne Bolyn follows her around so i'm concerned about privacy for her. Today she was making a hole in the run/dirt and pulling in the shavings but then got up and acted normal. I first thoughtt she was taking a dirt bath but she wasn't. I sure hope she uses the nest box. Anything I can do to make sure that happens? For this EX NY'er, now Idahoan, I'm so excited.

ProfNancy said:

thank you. we have had the nests ready for weeks and i even have fake eggs in them. She goes in the coop a lot lately. Anne Bolyn follows her around so i'm concerned about privacy for her. Today she was making a hole in the run/dirt and pulling in the shavings but then got up and acted normal. I first thoughtt she was taking a dirt bath but she wasn't. I sure hope she uses the nest box. Anything I can do to make sure that happens? For this EX NY'er, now Idahoan, I'm so excited.

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You can put golf balls or fake eggs in the eggs to show her THAT is where she needs to lay.

Yay the squat! I noticed two of my girls doing about two weeks ago, and my RIR started laying this past Saturday, so just over a week after I first noticed the squat. My SLW squatted that same day and nothing from her yet! But my sweet RIR Frances has given me an egg every day but one since she started laying! Fun times!

Catherine of Aragon laid her first egg around noon today. I heard her practicing her dong earlier when i was harvedting strawberries but missed her afterwards because we were inside eating lunch. Tge egg is small but a good solid shell. I'm too excited and don't want to crack it open just yet.

Yay! Congrats!

Congrats!! I'm how you feel about the egg and not wanting to crack it open. The only reason why we've cracked any of the first week of eggs we've gotten from my one that finally started is because my daughter dropped it lol!! I feel like an egg hoarder

Lol I'm a couple weeks out from my first egg, and I still find it hard to use them Each one is such an accomplishment! It's getting easier though, and I love that crack of the tough shell and pretty rich yellow of the yolk congrats on your eggs!

Second egg yesterday i should aldo add that she laid them both in the nesting nox. Yay.