First Time: hens get weird. Im thinking eggs are on the way.

[Millsa]

Hi all. My flock is 17 weeks old. The males are: totally males. Crowing. Herding. Luckily they all get along. (So far) they were all in the brooder together so im hopeful the pecking order can keep everyone in check. Last night 2 hens began making new vocalizations - and acting a bit sluggish. The males are also extra herding and protective of the sluggish hens. Im wondering if they are working on eggs? And… is this behaviour change is this something or are my hens SICK? They all seem to be happy free ranging today - which is why i dont think its sickness but changes in their bodies? Would love to hear from the forum on this. You’ve been right about my Roos. We are keeping both Roo’s and hoping to add chicks to even out the hen to roo ratio. The Roos are NICE. Lavender Orpington. They let me hold them and baby them - which keeps them calmer when i give the royal treatment to them first.

 

[azygous]

Yes, it is true that a pullet will begin to behave differently in the days leading up to her first egg. It's not lethargic behavior, though. She will appear to be unusually vocal, sounding like she's complaining and trying to point out a flaw in the service, so to speak. This is accompanied by pacing and agitation. It can precede the first egg by several days. You may also see her examine dark corners of the coop, neglected areas of the run, and may even see her in a nest rearranging the nesting material in a zealous way.

If you are in any doubt as to the behavior meaning anything, pick her up and put her in your lap. Reach around to her butt and locate the top of her vent. Then feel for the protruding bony knobs on each side. If you can easily fit two fingers between them, she's ready to lay. In addition to this, if she squats when you are feeling around back there or if you lightly touch her back, she's very close to the first egg.

 

[3KillerBs]

My POL pullets always seem to vigorously kick bedding out of the nesting box and if I'm going to have any escapes from the run it's the POL girls who are going to do it.

 

[Millsa]

Thank you so much for your feedback. now that you say it - the girl i suspect is about to lay was very complaining yesterday which is why i thought they might be ill - …. Ill try to grab her to pick her up - but she’s a bit skittish These days. Hopeful the change in their mood is - they are getting ready to lay. Very excited for this next phase. First time chicken owner.

 

[aart]

Ill try to grab her to pick her up - but she’s a bit skittish

I've found it easiest to grab them off the roost after dark for exams.
Headlight with dim and bright settings really help.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

my girls were SO loud and bossy before they started laying, literally yelling at me if they saw me in the yard. once they started laying they've been much quieter!