Clingy Newly Laying Hens

[ChickieChickieMama]

So yesterday was the happiest day of my chicken rearing life when I found our first two eggs in the laying boxes!

Before this, my two Golden Comet sisters had become increasingly interested in me which I know is a sign they're close to POL. Now they are suddenly super clingy and want to do everything with me. They wait inside the run door for me and try to follow me out even. I adore them and have been doting on them, but I'm wondering if there is something more I should be doing.

Is there something they want or need that they are trying to tell me? Is there some sort of nice extra luxury I can give my two new layers to show I appreciate them? Or are they just trying to figure out where their babies went?

I already give them bowls of oyster shells and egg shells, and I bring fresh kale, apples and sometimes watermelon some days as treats as well as hand fed mealworms and seed mixture treats occasionally (I've read it's not good for layers to get too many treats).

They're not big on cuddling but will occasionally jump up on my legs if I have them up and they enjoy gentle petting.

The rest of the flock is all younger; some are almost 12 weeks old and the babies are now almost 8 weeks old, so they're the only ones that will be laying for a little while yet (though my two 12 week old EE's seem awfully interested in those nesting boxes now that they've seen them in use!)

 

[Hopethehen]

Is there a problem? I don’t see a problem, they all seem healthy to me!
No, you don’t need to give special treatment to the layers. When they lay egg, they get really happy and sing a song. Sometimes some others will join in on the song.

 

[ChickNanny13]

No problem seen & no extra care needed ... They KNOW where the food/treats come from Mine come a running but just to see what I have If I don't have anything, they look so disappointed and walk away

 

[Hopethehen]

No problem seen & no extra care needed ... They KNOW where the food/treats come from Mine come a running but just to see what I have If I don't have anything, they look so disappointed and walk away

Same

 

[ChickieChickieMama]

Thanks! I thought I had covered all the bases but the way they are clinging to me everywhere I go I thought maybe they desperately needed something and I was just completely oblivious!

And yes, I love their funny egg song! They like to take turns laying and will sit outside the nest boxes to encourage and protect one another (even though they prefer different nest boxes!) When they are both done then they sing together and my young MF D'uccle cockerel (who paces in front of the nest boxes the whole time making sure no one else bothers them, like a nervous expectant dad!) tries to awkwardly join in with them!

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's normal, once they're laying they'll usually become a lot friendlier.