Big red combs, no squatting

[Chicken noobie]

I’ve read that when their combs and wattles come in and turn red, they are close to laying. I’ve also read about the “squatting”. Well here are our 19 wk old chicks. The combs are pretty large, or at least they’ve gotten way bigger and dark red. But I’ve never seen this “squat”. Is it possible they will they lay without doing the squat? They still run from me if I reach to pet them

 

[DobieLover]

They don't always squat. But it is another sign that they are getting close to POL. The squatting is a sign of submission and that comes on when they reach sexual maturity.
Your pullets will be laying soon.

 

[Beccazon]

All birds do their own thing. Mine don't squat. Just started laying last week. 17 weeks. Red comb etc here yes. Acting a bit goofy...chattier and kinda...GOOFY literally. If you do touch one's back, she will squat.

I did what @aart suggested (and shared a link to) and checked vents and pelvic width. Gonna take practice but I am learning lol.

Best to do at night when roosting and more chill...with a headlamp is easiest. Basically, if vent is dry and tight, not close to laying. Moist and not so tight, close. Within a week or so I understand. You will have to watch his link to understand the pelvis spacing well enough. Either way, you are surely not far from getting some eggies!!

 

[aart]

I did what @aart suggested (and shared a link to) and checked vents and pelvic width. Gonna take practice but I am learning lol.

It does take some practice...and is not the end all be all, but still worth knowing..and practicing.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[Beccazon]

Also, if you do the vent and pelvic check regularly (every few days or once a week maybe?) you will learn the birds better and notice changes more easily. Plus it's good practice cuz the pelvic thing is a learning thing for sure!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Each chicken is different, they have their own personalities and behaviors. Reading on this forum you can get the opinion that all chickens all do the same thing. They don't. There are signs that a pullet MIGHT be getting ready to lay. There are signs that a hen MIGHT be broody or going broody. There are all kinds of signs but they are just clues that something might be about to happen.

Squatting is one of those. Not all pullets squat before they start to lay. The reverse is also true, squatting does not mean they are about to lay. I once saw a 13 week old pullet willingly squat for a 13 week old cockerel. She did not start to lay for another two months.

The bright red combs and wattles are a good sign. That vent check can give some strong clues, probably the best in my opinion. Seeing them in the nests scratching around and checking it out as a nest is a good sign. The pelvic spread check can give clues. Squatting is a good sign too. But these are clues, they might mean you are close but again they might not.

 

[Beccazon]

Very true! Nothing is proof positive cuz nature is unpredictable. You can assume if all (or many) signs are positive that you should at least keep an eye for eggs around about so you don't have icky old ones getting picked up later

 

[chrissynemetz]

Some squat, some don't. I do believe you'll be getting eggs soon from the the look of your girls

 

[cluckmecoop7]

19 is still a little early. In few weeks.

 

[Beccazon]

19 is still a little early. In few weeks.

2 of mine started last week at 17 weeks. Another this week at 18. I thought I wouldn't see an egg til after 20 weeks but...here they are popping them out! The first one has layed all but 2 days of the last 10 or so!