Chicken acted like it laid an egg but didn't? it's too early??

[Burkeeks]

I have a blue Gem who is approximately 18 weeks old. The past two weeks she's been significantly louder but i thought it was because of the heat ( we're 3 weeks in 105 degree weather). Today I heard "bawking" for the first time, I ran outside to find the blue gem ontop of her chicken coop laying down. I immediately removed her and then she acted like she wanted in the coop. After a while she scavenged to find a nice spot underneath some tree branches and leaves, she left her flock to lay there. She started bawking for a good 3 minutes. ( this is the first time i've heard her make the loud bawks). Her comb went pale and she laid underneath the branches for a good 20-30 minutes and then she came out. Her comb was still pale and she rushed to get some water however, No egg. I have not had any of my chickens lay yet.

Does anyone have any suggestions to this behavior? Was she "practicing" to lay an egg? I believe it's too soon especially with the heat. Can anyone help identify what she might need??

Thank you!

 

[Kiki]

Sounds like she'll be laying soon.

Make sure your feeding her a balanced diet which would be a layer type pellet or crumbled feed....only.

 

[GravityWaves]

Was she "practicing" to lay an egg?

Yes, most likely she was. It's been my experience with maturing pullets that most will scratch around and lay down in the nest boxes for several weeks before they ever lay an egg. (This is when I start giving them pep talks .) They also seem to get louder in the couple weeks before they start laying.

Your chicken has a well developed comb and wattles. I'd expect her to start laying within a week or two.