Increased appetite before laying?

[amandac]

Hi. I am new to chickens and have a mixed flock including black sex link, RIR, BR and SLW hens. All between 4-6 months old. They have had a DEFINITE

increase in appetite in the last week, like eating 2-3 times as much. Is this a sign of imminent egg laying??? They are not free range birds, but have a very large run with access to grass and such. Thanks for the help.

 

[Ridgerunner]

A hen will lay an egg that is about 2% to 3% of her body weight. She definitely needs to eat more to replenish that. Laying hens will also eat quite a bit more than a rooster for the same reason. I'd say it is a good sign.