Houston, we have a squatter.

[David61]

I was in the coop checking for eggs in the new shaving I put on the floor. The flock is at about 21 weeks and have been very vocal the last week. Digging a little more as well. I was sitting on my heels looking under the poop board for eggs in the shavings and the girls gathered around for raisins or grapes that I bring regular. I reached out to show it had no treats and one of my ISA Browns does a classic squat. I have never seen my girls do this and was almost as excited as she was when I rubbed her back.
I'm tempted to open the nesting boxes.

 

[Willowspirit]

They’re getting there! Congrats!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Yay! Eggs are in your future

 

[aart]

... was almost as excited as she was when I rubbed her back.

Almost lost a mouthful of coffee when I read this

I'm tempted to open the nesting boxes.

Yup, time to open them up.
Then you can make sure they are still sleeping on the roosts well before eggs come.

 

[David61]

Got to get the boxes open in the morning first thing. When i was free ranging late this afternoon my squatter was going behind, in, under anything out of the way or sight. I kept an eye on her and made sure she stayed out in the yard with the flock.

 

[David61]

22weeks old, Five days since she squatted . Well, i didn't make it in time getting the nest box open. I went out to take the wire off the nesting boxes this morning and found my first egg cracked open on the poop board.

She flew into the nesting box the very second the wire came off. I turned my back to set the wire on the poop board and she was in. I don't think it will be an issue. She knows what to do and where to do it. I'm going to put a fake egg in latter today. I'll rub the fake egg with the broken shell just because.

 

[imnukensc]

Why would you rub the fake egg with the broken shell of the real egg?

 

[David61]

The smell of the real egg. I have no idea it will matter but it can't hurt. Just the shell.

 

[imnukensc]

Chickens, and most birds in general, have a terrible sense of smell.

 

[aart]

The smell of the real egg. I have no idea it will matter but it can't hurt. Just the shell.

Yeah, you don't want to do that....they go by sight way more than smell.....you may be able to smell the old rotting egg smeared on the fakies.