Almost ready to lay?

[NHMountainMan]

Rookie chicken guy here! I've got 13 pullets, about 14 weeks old. one - a RSL, suddenly seems to be spending a lot more time in the coop. I see no health issues, and she comes out whenever I'm in the run, feed and water etc. I fact - she's my shadow. the only one that really wants to be picked up, etc.
I don't yet have the nest boxes open and available. Does this behavior change indicate that it's time to get ready for laying?

Thanks!

 

[Mvan42]

Dos she squat when you go to pet her, that’s a big sign that they are ready. Most start between 4-7 months.

 

[NHMountainMan]

Dos she squat when you go to pet her, that’s a big sign that they are ready. Most start between 4-7 months.

I don't think she's squatting but I'll watch for it. Is it too soon to make the needing boxes available?

 

[Mvan42]

I am not sure, mine are available to all because of the design, and I have had layers since it was built.

@Texas Kiki she may know

 

[Kiki]

Sure adding a nest box now if fine.
Put some golf balls or fake eggs in it too.

 

[Mvan42]

Sure adding a nest box now if fine.
Put some golf balls or fake eggs in it too.

I knew you would know. Lol. I am still learning some of this stuff and cant remember what I have read about other stuff.

 

[Kiki]

I knew you would know. Lol. I am still learning some of this stuff and cant remember what I have read about other stuff.

The more you read the more you learn and the more it sticks.

 

[aart]

14 weeks is pretty young, but, yeah, open nests with some fake eggs, then watch for nest sleepers.

Here's some signs to watch for:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[NHMountainMan]

14 weeks is pretty young, but, yeah, open nests with some fake eggs, then watch for nest sleepers.

Here's some signs to watch for:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

As always - thanks for the education and the link to the really helpful article.