Who else is waiting for that first egg?

[junebuggena]

"Squatting" is when they are walking along and suddenly drop down with their bellies on the ground. It's the position a hen takes when a rooster mounts her.

 

[rides2far]

You'll notice your pullets hunkering down if you pass your hand over them or start to pet them. It's a signal of submission to a rooster. It shows they are maturing & getting ready to lay. You'll know it when u see it.

 

[0die]

what time of the day do chickens normally lay?

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

What do you mean squatting? I have never heard of this. We are 18 weeks and waiting for our first egg. They like to sit in the nest boxes during the mornings!

When you reach down to pet them do they freeze and sort of flatten out and squat down?

 

[cmonkey]

When you reach down to pet them do they freeze and sort of flatten out and squat down?

Sometimes, yes. Also the males are beginning their mating while the hens seem uninterested/scared until the male actually gets them.

 

[kristaschics15]

Oh my gosh so many first eggs since I've been here!!!!! 7 days now of consistent laying from Rose! I'm a hoarder I don't want to crack any of them!!!

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

Well my non laying br just punked me! I was outside with them trying to install some lights in the coop and she went into one of the nesting boxes I put some store bought eggs in to show the soon to be layer where it's done so I waited as not to disturb her. She came out after some time clucking her head off. I ran to see so excited I got to be present for it and she just dug in the nesting material and moved the egg there.... I told her she was a faker and she clucked her head off again! Goofy birds! Maybe sometime today!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

When you reach down to pet them do they freeze and sort of flatten out and squat down?

Mine run away. And they don't flatten out for the roosters. The roosters jump on them and flatten them.

 

[OldMissionChick]

Our 2 Black Jersey Giants and 1 Black Australorp are now 22 weeks old and still no eggs from them. The other 5 are laying consistently. Combs & waddles are red and one (I think, they all look the same) is doing the egg song.

 

[Mutt Farm]

MIne are 21 weeks and still nothing

And they are supposed to be a breed that starts laying early.

Does the heat make a difference? It's been hot and humid here.

Hi neighbor. I think it does. I'm near Riverside. Right? HOT sticky weather last week and again today? 2 of mine, BO's started at 22.5 wks last Fri. Only 5 eggs so far from 2 hens. They quit in the heat. My Orpingtons are the first to show discomfort. I knew they weren't a heat tolerant breed... What breed are yours?