Is she getting close?

[Kkattchixmom]

I have a girl, barredrock 14.5 weeks old.Her name is Sassy, not the friendliest bird. But she has squatted when I went to pet her. The other girls are not exhibiting this behavior, but they are all different breeds. Should I be getting nesting boxes ready early? I wasn't expecting egg laying until July or August?

 

[SunnySid3Up]

The squatting is just a sign of submission typically a hen will squat for a roo, but if she sees you as the flock leader she may be squatting when you walk up to her to submit to you. Regardless of age I think hens should have nesting boxes for a place to feel comfortable, and you want them to be used to it and want to be in it before they start laying eggs, because you want that place they lay eggs in to be “safe”

I would get your nesting boxes ready, and if she seems to be very interested, and beds down a-lot she’s probably gonna start laying in the next couple of weeks.

 

[WingItRanch]

14.5 weeks is a little early but it wouldn't hurt to start letting your pullets access the nest boxes since they are within a month or two of laying.

 

[WhiskeyTheRedd]

squatting IS a sign. ive never seen a hen do it until they are within twoish weeks of laying.

 

[SunnySid3Up]

In my personal experience with ours, they started squatting as soon as they got feathers, it could possibly be a sign but I have never experienced it in our flock.

 

[WingItRanch]

I had some that started squatting around 18 weeks but didn't lay until 32 weeks. So I think its a good sign that they're maturing but not guaranteed you'll have an egg right away.

 

[SunnySid3Up]

I had some that started squatting around 18 weeks but didn't lay until 32 weeks. So I think its a good sign that they're maturing but not guaranteed you'll have an egg right away.

I agree I think its more just a sign of maturity, but everything I have read has said its submission.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Mine started squatting about three weeks before laying.

Make sure you (1) have plenty of oyster shell easily available, (2) prepare the nest boxes (I use hemp, and the girls LOVE it; so easy to shape into a nest), and (3) consider getting some fake eggs (wooden or ceramic) or even golf balls to add to the nests to help them connect the dots as to the purpose of the boxes.

 

[Mrs. K]

I figure a month from squatting, and swollen bright red combs. About the time you are pretty sure that you are never going to get an egg!