Behavior leading up to egg laying?

[Kaesi2020]

Hi all, I have six 18 week old pullets. Two are red sex links who I am pretty sure are close to laying eggs. One just started squatting down when I pet her back. Do eggs typically follow soon after? Any other behaviors to look for? Also should I start offering oyster shell yet? Thank you!

 

[sourland]

I'd be offering oyster shell free choice. I would anticipate eggs within the next couple of weeks.

 

[Kaesi2020]

I'd be offering oyster shell free choice. I would anticipate eggs within the next couple of weeks.

Would it be OK to offer the oyster shell free choice to the others too? I have the red sex links, two EE's and two buff orpingtons. Thank you!

 

[sourland]

Yes. Offered 'free choice' they will generally not eat it unless it is needed.

 

[Whigru]

The squatting is a good sign! I’d try a pelvic bone check, too. I did that with my RIR this time around and new within a couple days that she’d start. There are some posts on this site, as well as videos on YouTube. It’s petty easy once you do it a time or two!

 

[Kaesi2020]

First egg today! Not sure which of the red sex links layed it. Below is a pic. No interest in the oyster shell yet but I am giving it free choice for when they need it. Whoever layed this layed it next to the nesting boxes, not in them. Does this egg look average for a first timer? Thank you. Was so exciting finding it in the coop.

 

[Kaesi2020]

Also, any ideas for how to figure out who is laying?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Pelvic check is one possibility. If you want a 100% ID, well, it involves a lot of standing around in coops watching chickens lay.

 

[aart]

If you want a 100% ID, well, it involves a lot of standing around in coops watching chickens lay.

That it does!

Nice sized pullet egg, lots of bloomy speckles.

Got fake eggs in the nests?

 

[Kaesi2020]

That it does!

Nice sized pullet egg, lots of bloomy speckles.

Got fake eggs in the nests?

Hi! Yes we put fake eggs in. The spot she chose to lay the egg was right next to the nest boxes in a dark, softly bedded corner of the coop. I am considering removing the boxes we made and just putting some wood dividers in the area instead. I'm going to wait and see what happens with future eggs first.