Behavior before laying

[aart]

Is it normal for hens to act weird before laying for the first time?

Yes...and that's an understatement.

 

[Chickening101]

Yes...and that's an understatement.

I got a first egg! It has a pretty darn strong shell, so i think my girls are lucky...most beautiful first egg ive seen.
Thanks 4 caring!
xx Chickening101

 

[N F C]

This is her egg! Will send u vid of her laying...
It’s the most beautiful first egg I’ve every seen! FIRST

Congratulations!

 

[Chickening101]

Congratulations! View attachment 1319317

Thanks so much! More eggs to come...two layers out of four....thanks again for the support!

xx Chickening101

 

[April Barta]

How old are your girls? Mine are turning 20 weeks tomorrow and I have my fingers crossed for a first egg on Easter.

 

[Chickening101]

How old are your girls? Mine are turning 20 weeks tomorrow and I have my fingers crossed for a first egg on Easter.

Mine are 18 weeks. I also have an Easter Egger who is 18 weeks and hasnt started laying. I dont think you should worry...I have friends who's Easter Egger didnt lay till 24 wks. Maybe just late layers? Good luck w/ you hens!
xx Chickening101

 

[April Barta]

Mine are 18 weeks. I also have an Easter Egger who is 18 weeks and hasnt started laying. I dont think you should worry...I have friends who's Easter Egger didnt lay till 24 wks. Maybe just late layers? Good luck w/ you hens!
xx Chickening101

I have some breeds that should lay early. White Leghorns and RIR. Still nothing! All in good time I know. Patience! Bah!

 

[April Barta]

I’m almost out of chick/grower feed. Should I switch them over to layer? I know you’re not supposed to until they’re actually laying but... I feel like it’s close enough?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I’m almost out of chick/grower feed. Should I switch them over to layer? I know you’re not supposed to until they’re actually laying but... I feel like it’s close enough?

I switched to a 18% layers pellet at 16 weeks of age. But I mixed it with the Start & Grow crumbles 50/50 for 2 weeks, before switching to just the layers pellet. But all my girls were squatting when I put my hand over their back. All my pullets were Golden Comets, they are known to lay early. 2 started to lay at 16 1/2 weeks and all were laying by 19 weeks.
I would switch if all are squatting. If not then get another bag of non layer feed with 18/20 percent Protein and offer some Oyster Shells in a separate container.
I have found that my girls need a 18% Protein feed. I switched to a 16% layers pellet with added flax for healthier eggs last summer. I fed them 3 bags and I was not happy with their appearance or behavior. I found a layers pellet with flax that was 18% Protein, and their behavior and appearance improved in a month.
In my opinion a backyard flock needs at least a 18% Protein feed, because we like to give them treats that may be low in Protein. GC

 

[April Barta]

I switched to a 18% layers pellet at 16 weeks of age. But I mixed it with the Start & Grow crumbles 50/50 for 2 weeks, before switching to just the layers pellet. But all my girls were squatting when I put my hand over their back. All my pullets were Golden Comets, they are known to lay early. 2 started to lay at 16 1/2 weeks and all were laying by 19 weeks.
I would switch if all are squatting. If not then get another bag of non layer feed with 18/20 percent Protein and offer some Oyster Shells in a separate container.
I have found that my girls need a 18% Protein feed. I switched to a 16% layers pellet with added flax for healthier eggs last summer. I fed them 3 bags and I was not happy with their appearance or behavior. I found a layers pellet with flax that was 18% Protein, and their behavior and appearance improved in a month.
In my opinion a backyard flock needs at least a 18% Protein feed, because we like to give them treats that may be low in Protein. GC

I have about 6 that have been squatting for the last 1-2 weeks. One even did the little stomping dance today. Lol. I’ll look for a 18% protein layer feed when I’m at the store tomorrow. I think I’ll start mixing it in now. Thank you so much for your insight!