Our top bird does this same thing to the lowest and newest hen. I chase her off when it happens, because I don't like it.
It must be nature and related to pecking order, but it remind me of rooster-like behavior.
Maybe not a true emergency but the first unusual episode for us.
9 month old BO pullet, laid a fine egg today.
Acting sleepy, letting someone pick her up without a fuss (unusual)
diarrhea, not wanting to eat, but yes, drinking water, blinking slowly, movements are slow and a little clumsy.
Any...
Welcome from NC, but I feel the need to mention my brother lives in Aurora! We've been to visit and its a pretty area. Good for you for taking the plunge into BYC.
Depends on the breed. Seven months wouldn't be considered unusual for late maturing breeds. I have brahmas - a slow to mature breed. The last two of my hens to start laying waited until they were around 9 months old.
We have one brahma who is 7 months and shows no signs of laying yet. Glad...
These egg shells were cut with a high intensity precision Laser Beam. This gives a very good idea of what can be achieved with a Laser Beam. This gives you an idea what laser surgery performed on one's eye is all about. Incredible wh at can be done with an eggshell and a laser beam...
I'd say if they have light to see by, they might (if nature calls). When our girls go to bed, they seems to settle in and stay in one spot til morning...or so we think. We have found eggs in the nesting box right after sunrise though.