Mounting the ladies! Of course the ladies are not happy- but this has been going on for a few days (more frequently). So, should I be looking for some eggs any day now? Is this typical behavior right before they start laying?
Quote:I've noticed the young boys don't seem to ever catch the poor pullets for that, despite all sneaky and just plain mean efforts, till around 2 weeks before they're ready to lay. The youngsters will basically go for anything, but just won't be able to do it till the girls quit screaming and running 30 mph.
It seems the cockerels are interested in mating quite a few weeks before the pullets are ready to lay. But when I notice the pullets aren't protesting as much, become more agreeable to the idea and will even squat before the young roos, then I begin looking for them to lay. Their combs become more red then, and often they'll squat before you when you approach them from behind or stroke their backs. Start collecting good egg recipes anyway, it'll be soon enough!
I've found that often the roos are ready to mate before the pullets are ready. And they chase them around and really annoy them to no end, even before the pullets begin squatting, which is the submissive pose for mating and an indication that they're mature and getting ready to lay eggs. So I would say, the roos mating doesn't really means the hens are ready to lay yet. Once the girls start squatting, and their combs look nice and red, then they'll be laying real soon.
