Chicken squatted with wings out!

[alinas2010]

My pullet is 16 1/2 weeks old, I haven’t ever seen her do this before, but I think it’s the submissive squat. I walked up behind her and knelt down kinda fast and she did this weird squat where she put her wings out. I was actually startled at first, I thought something was wrong! Does this mean she’s close to laying? I thought I’d have a few more weeks….will I? Here she is, big waddles and comb and all! She’s on the right in the picture with 2. Those were from a couple days ago.

 

[chick rookie]

It is a submissive squat and yes you should be getting eggs anytime now

 

[alinas2010]

It is a submissive squat and yes you should be getting eggs anytime now

Ah man I thought I had more time to get them into their big coop. I haven’t given them any extra calcium source yet, should I be worried?

 

[nuthatched]

Ah man I thought I had more time to get them into their big coop. I haven’t given them any extra calcium source yet, should I be worried?

Not at all, it will likely be a few weeks. You can start giving them layer or extra calcium now.

 

[chick rookie]

Through alot of research on my own part theres alot of things that have completely opposite answers which confuses me. Some say chickens should have food at all times other said twice a day or even smaller meals 3-4 times a day. What does people on here say?

Free ranging. Our property is almost 10 acres not fenced in but its more long than wide. I keep telling my sister in law since the chicken run isn't that big that she should let them free range a couple hours a day but she only does it for 10-15 minutes long enough to feed them peas or corn. How far will a chicken go from the coop? I know their food motivated so im just curious does anyone free range during the day and do you do it supervised or just let them go free and they come back at night?

Ah man I thought I had more time to get them into their big coop. I haven’t given them any extra calcium source yet, should I be worried?

You'll be fine, just start them now like nuthatched said. Have fun with your girls, don't get over stressed, just keep asking questions that's part of it. Soon you'll be on here giving advice...

Not at all, it will likely be a few weeks. You can start giving them layer or extra calcium now.

 

[alinas2010]

Not at all, it will likely be a few weeks. You can start giving them layer or extra calcium now.

You'll be fine, just start them now like nuthatched said. Have fun with your girls, don't get over stressed, just keep asking questions that's part of it. Soon you'll be on here giving advice...

Y’all make me so happy, thanks for the reassurance, I really appreciate it. Better get those oyster shells ready!

 

[crazychickenman007]

One of my black sex links started the squat and it was about 1-2 weeks after she started the squat she started to lay so I would say get ready!! Regarding the oyster shells as previously stated I’d get them out as soon as you can.

 

[alinas2010]

One of my black sex links started the squat and it was about 1-2 weeks after she started the squat she started to lay so I would say get ready!! Regarding the oyster shells as previously stated I’d get them out as soon as you can.

Thank you, that’s great to know. Time really flew by, it’s like they were just tiny little chicks yesterday.

 

[crazychickenman007]

Thank you, that’s great to know. Time really flew by, it’s like they were just tiny little chicks yesterday.

I understand! It’s very exciting finding that first egg too. Post some pics in this thread when you get one. Also would put some golf balls or fake eggs in a nesting box to encourage them to lay there, I have to go on a Easter egg hunt every day Good luck!

 

[chick rookie]

Y’all make me so happy, thanks for the reassurance, I really appreciate it. Better get those oyster shells ready!

You're welcome