Is there a change in behavior before eggs?

[taprock]

We have two pullets that are about a month and a half older than the rest. I was thinking they could start laying in December. Star who is a cornish is acting strangely and I'm wondering if they have a change in behavior before their first eggs. As far as health is concerned everything is normal, she had some wet looking feathers on her bottom area but has been out in the mud and puddles so that isn't unexpected. When everyone was out in the yard and I was cleaning the coop she was hanging around didn't want to leave the coop. After everyone was put back in she flew up into the eaves and tucked herself back out of the way as far as she could go. We checked her vent but besides being clean I have no idea what I would be looking for. Does this have anything to do with possible egg laying or something totally different?

 

[gritsar]

Most, but not all of my pullets undergo a personality change shortly before they start to lay. Friendly ones become standoffish, shy ones become friendly, etc.
Though we consider laying eggs to be something that comes naturally to a chicken, I don't think it's too far out there to consider that they might be confused about what's happening to their bodies too.

 

[OrloffTom]

I can't really recall if my girls did or not as when they laid their first I was totally surprised. I wasn't expecting them to lay for another couple of weeks.

 

[dsqard]

Have to agree with gritsar, all of my pullets have been somewhat shy and now that they are either laying or getting ready to lay they are a lot more friendly. They don't run away from me now at all. They are not lap chickens by any means but don't seem to mind me around. I have never had one squat for me or heard the egg song so when the first egg appeared I was really surprised!

 

[catterbug]

My hens right before they start laying seem to hang out in the coop more. Expecially in the nesting boxes! It is like they are trying them out to see which one they like the best before they start laying.

 

[cmom]

Their combs and wattles get red and when they start squatting usually it won't be long before you get eggs...

 

[taprock]

We did end up with our first egg. I found it up in the eaves after checking this morning where the chicken had been hiding.