Broody before laying?

[eaking]

Hey everyone,

We have two 22 week old Buff Orpingtons who were previously inseparable. Susie, the more developed of the two (much larger and redder wattles and comb) has, in the last day or so, been acting very strangely. She hasn't been leaving the coop, is being completely solitary and has been very standoffish. Becky has taken to free ranging / hanging with our younger girls. My question is: could she be preparing to lay in some way? Is this her being broody? Is it possible she wants to stay close to the coop / nesting boxes or is this unusual before they begin laying? I don't think she's ill, she's just being very weird all of sudden.

Thanks.

 

[eaking]

I should have clarified that Becky and Susie are the same age.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Very possibly she's close to laying, and is confused by it, so between the hormones and the instinct to lay kicking in, her behavior is off.

 

[aart]

Might want to check the nethers:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/