Almost laying behaviors?

[Chicks Creek]

I have 2 bufforp girls who are at about laying age. I noticed the two of them go off alone to the woods quite often now. One of my older girls did this when she got close to laying until I showed them the nesting box. I showed these girls the nesting box and they've tried to go in but the older girls have chased them out a few times. Now they sleep in the nest boxes but nest in the weeds.

Other behaviors I've noticed: tails a bit more rounded, not as perky. Still drinking, foraging, etc. combs are redder. Less active, way more chill. Are they just low on the pecking order and getting ready to pay? Or should I be looking for symptoms of illness?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sounds like they're low on the pecking order (as they're young/about to lay) and that you might need more nests. How many birds total and how many nests? They shouldn't be allowed to sleep in there unless brooding, and they may already be laying out in the woods instead as it's "safer" than being harassed by the older birds.