egg laying behavior?

[love2garden22]

My normally sweet and quiet girls are starting to lay. We have 12 black sex link pullets that are 17 weeks old. Only two of them are laying small eggs right now....but what I was curious about was all of the new strange behavior going on. The one we call the 'golden girl' was in the nesting box trying to concentrate on the business of producing her first egg when, for no apparent reason, another of the girls climbed in with her, and then two more stood on the ledge looking in at her !!! They didn't seem to be harrassing her, but like, what were they doing??? Also, they are very noisy in the mornings now..... Any insights, advice???? THANKS!

 

[thechickenchick]

It is normal for them to be rude!!! I have 10 nesting boxes. For some reason only 3 of them are comfortable!

Even though they are each the same.

My silkie is broody and the big hens set right on top of her and lay an egg. She growls and refuses to move, then when they leave she scoops their egg under her!

 

[love2garden22]

Thanks Chicken Chick! I did staple up a folded sheet to give a little more privacy, and they seem to like it. I'm really enjoying all the drama as I'm really a city girl and have never been around chickens before. It's funny though, one will finally lay a small egg, and another one will make very loud cackling sounds as if she was the one to lay the egg.....maybe she's trying to take the credit???

They are all very affectionate with me, and seem to look at me for reassurance as they are wondering what's happening (okay, maybe that's projecting too much).........

 

[thechickenchick]

I remember when mine started laying. I was across the yard doing chores and I heard that loud cackling/squawking noise. I dropped the shovel and ran like crazy to the coop! I thought something was killing them! Nope! She just wanted me to know she deserved credit for what she just did!

I am glad you are enjoying them. I too was a raised a city girl. I had cousins who grew up on the farm. They hated it when this city cousin in her frilly dress came to visit and wanted to see the chickens!

Now they all raise their kids in the city and I married a country boy!!