16wk old pullets acting weird! Is this a sign that eggs are coming??

[jason736]

Hi,
My girlfriend and I decided to try raising chickens this year. We have 26 red stars. They are 16weeks old on monday. They've been alot fun. Our concern is that about three days ago they started acting weird, I know chickens tend to do weird things. When we reach to pet them or pick them up they hunch down, cup they wings, and stick their butts in the air. After this they stand upright, puff up, and shake. They have also been very vocal in a tone we haven't heard before.
We are not alarmed, just curious about this new behavior. This site is great and people have been soo helpful. THANK YOU

 

[blefky]

These behaviors are normal signs that your girls are becoming sexually mature, and would be willing to accept the advances of a rooster. Egg laying generally follows within a couple of weeks (give or take) of this behavior. Don't forget to offer free choice oyster shell when they begin to lay. Congratulations!

 

[elmo]

It means with 26 chickens, you need to start collecting recipes to use up lots of eggs. Get ready! The previous poster is absolutely right.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Yes, it's normal. They are submitting to the rooster. (you)

If you pay close attention, you'll be able to tell when yours are really close to laying. You may or may not hear the egg song. But mine got really vocal the day they started laying. Just kind of pacing to and from the coop, bok bokking everywhere they went.

 

[jason736]

Gotta thank everyone for the information. This is all new for us and it's very helpful.