Laying age?

[Gmr1089]

I had a flock of 5 up until I lost a pullet this morning out of the blue. They are all around 18-20 weeks old, no layers yet. I lost one of my Easter eggers. I'm wondering if it was possible impaction? All other chickens look healthy. Also wondering if my remaining EE looks like she will lay soon? I wasn't sure what thread to post on since this involves an unexplained chicken death, signs of laying, and how to reintroduce another pullet to our flock (1 silver phoenix cockerel, 1 Easter egger pullet, 2 Rhode island red pullets)

 

[The Happster]

Her comb is a bright red, so probably she will start laying soon

 

[aart]

I'm wondering if it was possible impaction?

Sorry for your loss.
Necropsy is the only way to know what ailed her.
Did you examine her body for belly swelling and/or wounds?

Also wondering if my remaining EE looks like she will lay soon?

She looks more than ready to me.
Do you free range?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

If you free range, she may be laying without you knowing! Other wise, she may start soon.

 

[Gmr1089]

Update: "she" started crowing this morning looks like the pullet I bought turned out to be an ugly rooster lol