Yesterday I actually got to see my hen lay an egg. I was going into the coop to clean it and I saw Nicolette in her nesting box all puffed up and in a slight squat. I had noticed her in there about a half an hour before quietly sitting to one side of the box. I have fake eggs in there to give all my girls the idea. Nicky has only just started laying (about a week ago). When I saw her I could tell that she was working on something -- I peeked underneath her and there were only the fake eggs. I heard a little squeaking noise that sounded a bit like a mosquito -- I actually thought it was an insect outside. Then I looked back at Nick's face -- her eyes slightly squinted and then I heard a grunt! Yes a real grunt -- like a grunt one might make to let go of a big BM! Then out plopped her egg -- wet! It instantly dried in the air and I quietly shut the door to give Nicky some privacy with her egg. I swear this whole scene took less than 30 seconds. I just happened to catch her at the perfect moment. I felt so excited to have witnessed this magnificent event!!!! Yes, the egg laying thing is still a miracle to me. Nicolette is also my favorite chicken. She is such a sweet, gentle girl and has matured well before the rest of the brood -- 20 weeks and laying 6 eggs a week. None of the other girls have laid any eggs yet. Nicky is the only one with her comb and wattles full grown. Some girls grow up so fast...
