Are these signs of imminent laying?

[biretta]

Hi, my RIR is around 17 weeks old. She's acting strangely today--making more noises that usual, being territorial about the henhouse, and digging around in the litter in the corners of the house. She also pecked the other RIR when it came into the house to feed. I've never seen these behaviors before. Could it be? Is she about to lay, or might there be something else going on? If so, I better get some nest boxes in there!

 

[ozark hen]

biretta, mine are only 15 weeks tomorrow so I can't answer that question but it sure sounds like she is about to lay doesn't it? Please let us know what happens!!

 

[biretta]

I will ozark. I'm feeling bad for her because I don't have a next box right this second and it seems she's trying to find a private place; she's trying to wedge herself between the drinker and the wall. It's funny , all the other chickens are hanging out outside and won't go in. Seems like they're wondering what the heck's going on in there because the other RIR keeps trying to peer inside.

 

[ozark hen]

Anything will work. Do you have a carboard box or a cat/dog carrier you can put some straw in and tuck it into a corner in there? A milk crate turned on it's side, anything, a basket! This is tense now.

 

[biretta]

I will try that for now.

 

[biretta]

Lo and behold , I was on the right track! I went out there to put a makeshift nest box in the coop and there it was--my first egg, still warm!

 

[ozark hen]

Way to go!!!!!!! Can you take a picture of it and post it on here???? so cool!!

 

[biretta]

Uh-oh. Um, actually, I already ate it It was just the right size for the 2-person sized meatloaf I was making. Sorry! I'll post a pic of the second egg, but didn't think anyone would really be interested in seeing it. Kind of like how parents always fuss over their own kids and make others look at all the pictures in their wallets!

So, ozark you may very well be able to expect some eggs in the next couple of weeks or so!

 

[flinthillbillie]

I'll bet that was the world's best meatloaf! My girls will be 16 weeks old this Saturday, so I'm getting all excited about the soon-to-come eggs. 17 weeks seems on the early side of what I was expecting, but if your RIR did it, I can hope mine will too! Congratulations!

 

[CtlisencedArborist]

Awsome!Yeah,anything will do for some chxs.My sexys lay on the floor."MEATLOAF DINNa!"