I had a frustrating morning dealing with electricians and air conditioner guys, plus the 95 degree heat. I came home about 2 o'clock and gave my chickens fresh water, ice and watermelon. They didn't jump on the watermelon as they usually do. Buck was crowing. I noticed Gertie was in the hot coop, in the nest, so I opened the doors to give her some air. Buck hopped in and fussed around, then I saw THE EGG. Gertie, my White Plymouth Rock, was in the nest box with a beautiful little tan egg!
It's about the size of a banty egg, I guess. It was still very warm. I noticed the other girls go in the coop, too, just milling around, as if they knew something was up. Gertie is 16 and a half weeks, maybe 17 weeks tops. My other girls are 16 weeks, so I hope they will start laying soon, too. Getting your first egg is a good feeling, like a gift. Very cool!

