How do pullets act before laying first egg?

[Chickletmomma]

I have a few pullets,3 barreds 2 buffs 1 possible jersey giant and few bantam barnyard mixes. They are all about 16-18 weeks old. My possible jersey started acting strange tonight, randomly sitting in the yard twitching her butt and tail picking at it, with the 2 largest barreds around her. The cockerels are very attracted to her tonight. Could she be getting ready to lay? Am I just being an impatient chicken parent? What are the early characteristics of getting ready to lay? I picked her up and checked her over making sure nothing was wrong"back there" seemed normal but a little clear stuff coming out? Almost like water? Please help so new to this. It's our first flock thanks in adavace

 

[barred2rock]

I have a few pullets,3 barreds 2 buffs 1 possible jersey giant and few bantam barnyard mixes. They are all about 16-18 weeks old. My possible jersey started acting strange tonight, randomly sitting in the yard twitching her butt and tail picking at it, with the 2 largest barreds around her. The cockerels are very attracted to her tonight. Could she be getting ready to lay? Am I just being an impatient chicken parent? What are the early characteristics of getting ready to lay? I picked her up and checked her over making sure nothing was wrong"back there" seemed normal but a little clear stuff coming out? Almost like water? Please help so new to this. It's our first flock thanks in adavace

Sounds like they may start laying anytime now. Signs of pullets about to lay are squatting when hovered over (whether by other chickens or humans), singing the egg song, visiting nest boxes often and wetter than normal vents.

 

[Chickletmomma]

Sounds like they may start laying anytime now. Signs of pullets about to lay are squatting when hovered over (whether by other chickens or humans), singing the egg song, visiting nest boxes often and wetter than normal vents.

Oh I hope so! Kids said they heard them sing their song but I haven't. Guess I should get a bigger nesting box put in for my big myrtel, she doesn't fit well in a standard box. Maybe a milk crate?

 

[barred2rock]

Oh I hope so! Kids said they heard them sing their song but I haven't. Guess I should get a bigger nesting box put in for my big myrtel, she doesn't fit well in a standard box. Maybe a milk crate?

You want to make sure the nest boxes are the same height as your tallest chicken. Often if a pullet/hen can't stand in the nest box they just won't use it. Milk crates are fine as long as they're big enough. A milk crate may not be tall enough for your big girl.

 

[Chickletmomma]

You want to make sure the nest boxes are the same height as your tallest chicken. Often if a pullet/hen can't stand in the nest box they just won't use it. Milk crates are fine as long as they're big enough. A milk crate may not be tall enough for your big girl.

From what have read about a jersey seems like they don't stop growing until like 3! Is this true? As of now she towers over all the other girls. She was supposed to be an australorp but I don't think she is. Her feet are very dark black, yellow and black underneath. She doesn't have an "orpington" type body. She is rather slender and tall. I should upload a pic of her to be sure of what she is. So I am unsure how tall to make a box if she hasn't stopped growing yet

 

[barred2rock]

From what have read about a jersey seems like they don't stop growing until like 3! Is this true? As of now she towers over all the other girls. She was supposed to be an australorp but I don't think she is. Her feet are very dark black, yellow and black underneath. She doesn't have an "orpington" type body. She is rather slender and tall. I should upload a pic of her to be sure of what she is. So I am unsure how tall to make a box if she hasn't stopped growing yet

Maybe a couple inches taller than she is now. She'll probably get used to it and still use it even if she's a bit taller. For now, I'd just make one extra tall just for her. Who knows, she may even start using the smaller boxes at some point.

 

[Chickletmomma]

Maybe a couple inches taller than she is now. She'll probably get used to it and still use it even if she's a bit taller. For now, I'd just make one extra tall just for her. Who knows, she may even start using the smaller boxes at some point.

I think that's what we were thinking too thanks for all your help!