Help! She okay? Is is normal to pant and act restless before first egg?

[artbykarenehaley]

The first egg can be a doozy, like a humans first baby but maybe not as extreme

 

[Faithful flock]

You make a fair point. I’m gonna walk away now….when should I worry?

She'll be fine! Keep an eye on her just in case as you don't want her to be eggbound. But the behavior you're listing just sounds like she's getting ready to start laying soon!

 

[nuthatched]

You make a fair point. I’m gonna walk away now….when should I worry?

it could be a false a large so it's hard to say, maybe a day?

 

[Chickolett]

Several of my hens have just started laying this week and they are doing the same thing. They’re very restless, sometimes for hours before finally laying the egg. I think it must be painful for them. The do the egg song repeatedly too and lots of in and out of the nest box. Some of them seem to lay it quicky and some seem to take half of the day. Hopefully it gets easier for them over time.

 

[alinas2010]

She'll be fine! Keep an eye on her just in case as you don't want her to be eggbound. But the behavior you're listing just sounds like she's getting ready to start laying soon!

it could be a false a large so it's hard to say, maybe a day?

She did hop out, so I bet you two are right, it’ll be a day or so maybe.

 

[alinas2010]

Several of my hens have just started laying this week and they are doing the same thing. They’re very restless, sometimes for hours before finally laying the egg. I think it must be painful for them. The do the egg song repeatedly too and lots of in and out of the nest box. Some of them seem to lay it quicky and some seem to take half of the day. Hopefully it gets easier for them over time.

I’m sure so confusing, too, like @nuthatched said. Worrisome to watch, but also very exciting!

 

[Chickolett]

I was worried too, about egg-binding and everything but I’ve let them be and thank goodness they’re all fine. It could be a false alarm but I bet you’ll have an egg within a day or two!

 

[alinas2010]

I sure hope so! Thanks for the reassurance

 

[alinas2010]

It happened! Not quite in the right place but nonetheless I am SO PROUD

 

[Faithful flock]

It happened! Not quite in the right place but nonetheless I am SO PROUD

Yay congrats!