My flock is roughly 20 weeks old and not yet laying, though a couple of the hens are pretty red in the comb/wattles - and one in particular is VERY red and obviously more mature than the rest. She has been incredibly vocal over the last week or so, and eating like a hog - which has me excited, because I'm thinking she may be getting ready to lay.
Earlier today, I noticed when she bent over to eat something, her vent is quite red. As I said, she's eating and drinking like a champ, poop is normal, she doesn't seem "off" at all (we have lost 2 hens to illness that had symptoms before I knew they were symptoms, so now I cast a pretty wide net for "off" - this hen's behavior is fine). She does not enjoy being handled, so I figured I would ask here before I violated her dignity - is this something to be concerned about, or is it a sign that I should be getting ready to celebrate? And if it is a good sign - any estimates on how soon an egg would drop? We are going on vacation in a couple of days - I'd hate to miss kick-off!
Thanks!
Earlier today, I noticed when she bent over to eat something, her vent is quite red. As I said, she's eating and drinking like a champ, poop is normal, she doesn't seem "off" at all (we have lost 2 hens to illness that had symptoms before I knew they were symptoms, so now I cast a pretty wide net for "off" - this hen's behavior is fine). She does not enjoy being handled, so I figured I would ask here before I violated her dignity - is this something to be concerned about, or is it a sign that I should be getting ready to celebrate? And if it is a good sign - any estimates on how soon an egg would drop? We are going on vacation in a couple of days - I'd hate to miss kick-off!
Thanks!
