14 week old LF Cochin squatting already?

[MadamContrary]

This bird has been the most skittish bird from day one, hated to be handled, ran squawking if you even took a step in her direction. Suddenly today she jumped up in my daughter's lap and refused to be put down. I couldn't believe it when she brought the bird into the house in her arms! I had kind of accepted she'd probably never love to be handled. Every time my daughter would try to set her down she'd scramble back up her arm and rest her head on my daughter's shoulder. I was actually worried she was sick or something so I took her to look her over, then set her down and she just about laid flat on the ground. So, I guess my actual question is why did I think that Cochin don't start laying until 8 months to a year? Here is her climbing back into my daughter's lap after my examination. I should have tried to get a better shot for this momentous occasion

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is her comb getting red yet?

 

[MadamContrary]

Is her comb getting red yet?

No, her wattles are red but not the comb. No significant new growth either.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She's probably not real close to laying yet. Generally the comb swells and gets bright red around a month or so before they start laying.

It is strange she's exhibiting submissive behaviors at her age, but perhaps she's just beginning to sexually mature. This time of year I've had cochins start as early as 5 months of age. Average is 6 months.

 

[MadamContrary]

She's probably not real close to laying yet. Generally the comb swells and gets bright red around a month or so before they start laying.

It is strange she's exhibiting submissive behaviors at her age, but perhaps she's just beginning to sexually mature. This time of year I've had cochins start as early as 5 months of age. Average is 6 months.

Okay, I was wondering if I should remove the block I have on the nest boxes. I should probably hold off for a while? I'm very happy she's suddenly a lap chicken, eggs or not.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You can open up the boxes if you like. As long as no one starts sleeping in them it's generally fine to leave them open. Pullets will start exploring them as they get closer to egg laying.