How close is she to laying? *Got my answer! Pix!*

[mom2jedi]

The oldest girls in my flock are 4 BA, 1 RIR, and 1BO all around 19 weeks old. The aussies are all pretty red in the face and wattles and combs are looking hen-ish. The Red and Orp are not as far along so I know I have a few more weeks for them to start laying. One of my aussies has started squatting every time I pet her now. The other three are not doing this yet. Is this a sign that she is close to her first egg? I read in a thread somewhere about checking the spacing between her pelvic bones, but can't remember the details.

These are my first chickens and the waiting is killing me! I keep looking every day but nothing yet. Any idea on how much longer before my squatting girl lays one?

Thanks!

 

[beachchickie]

Every time my started squatting it was5 days later I got the first egg. Also they get fuzzy butt. If you notice your laying hens compared to non laying the fuzzy part protrudes once they lay. Sometimes they lay and you may not know if they free range so be on the look out.

 

[rhodiegal]

The clue for me was always the squatting when you approach. I bet it will not be long.

 

[LittleFeat]

I have three that are laying now the BO was first at 23 weeks. The squatting got very evident and about 3 days later I got the first eggs. I noticed my RIR this morning squatted right when I approached. She hasn't been so I'm hoping she'll give me a nice brown egg soon!!

Also, I noticed the squatting changed from when I would be petting them to just walking toward them. Actually Maisie squats at anything that moves!!

I go out the back door and she's squatting all the way across the yard!

I do believe she's trying to tell me she needs a "friend"!

 

[mom2jedi]

I got my first egg on Thursday and another one today! All four of my Aussies are squatting now, with a couple of them doing it when I walk by. Hee hee, so excited!

 

[Lesa]

See, it was worth waiting for!!! There is nothing as exciting and magical as those first few eggs! Congrats and enjoy!

 

[mom2jedi]

Here they are!

 

[redstars]

Nice! Congratulations!
The only thing better than the first two eggs are the second two.

 

[fordmommy]

 

[HEChicken]

Congrats. If it helps on timing, my BO's both laid their first egg at about 5 1/2 months old. My RIR laid her first egg today. She will be 5 months old tomorrow.