High Pitched Cooing and Perch-Sitting

[Amy Hen]

I have 3 BO hens and they are about 35 weeks old. No eggs yet... They have been making a high-pitched cooing sound (different from their normal greeting) the past week or so. 2 of their combs and waddles are bright red, the one lady is still a little pale. They have plenty of food (and eat a lot of it), fresh water, a draft-free and vented coop. BUT, they hardly ever leave their perch, just to peck around the coop, and haven't been outside in a long time. Is there something I can do? What is the cooing sound? It sounds a bit like the velasa raptors on Jarassic Park.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

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It could be the "egg song" which generally indicates the imminence of egg laying (or the announcement of having already laid one). At 35 weeks they should be getting down to business already! Sounds like it won't be long now!

 

[gingerpeach22]

When my hens make that dinosaur sound, it seems to be a response to my dog walking outside - an alarm. The egg song is a loud string of sounds like buk, buk, b-DAKET. Do you hav rats, cats, coons etc. around?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

It does sound like they might be afraid of something. I wonder what would happen if you just put food and water outside (assuming they have a secure run) and see if they will go out for it if it isn't in the coop.

 

[tkc]

I'm not an expert, just got my first egg last week, but in the week or two prior I noticed that the chicks were acting different, in a manner similar to what you described. They started making the dinosaur sounds, kind of a drawn out, high pitched growling. Then, they started following me around the yard, very closely. I thought they were watching me for weaknesses and plotting, but after two weeks of watching my back when out in the yard, I was relieved to find an egg in the middle of the coop floor.

 

[Amy Hen]

We got just got 2 eggs this week! First ones! Couldn't be happier. The other chickens aren't doing as much squealing now, and the laying hen now seems just fine.

Good girls!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

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I KNEW it! Congratulations!!!!

Post some photos when you get a chance.

 

[gryeyes]

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I don't know if I should admit it, but I've felt that way before, too!

What a relief to discover it was nothing. Yet. At leapt that's what I hope...

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Well, there ya go! Congrats on your first eggs

. They are the best!