New egg layer behavior

[Brynnoelleee]

Hi!

A few days ago my specked sussex laid her first egg at 18.5 weeks and was the first of 6 to do so but it was soft shelled. I gave them some oyster shells. Today, she seems like she wants to lay another egg but is pacing all over the place. In and out of the nesting box, in and out of the coop while the others are free ranging… even found her way under the coop for the first time today. She seems very discontent and the others are very vocal while she’s in the coop by herself. Some are even going in and getting in the nesting box with her then getting out. Is this all normal?

Very thankful for this group and the help / fast responses I get for this newbie!

 

[Sussex19]

It all sounds quite normal, you can just keep a bit of an eye on her to make sure that she isn't in any difficulty.
Have you tried putting fake eggs in the nesting box? It can help them make up their mind about where to lay.

 

[Brynnoelleee]

It all sounds quite normal, you can just keep a bit of an eye on her to make sure that she isn't in any difficulty.
Have you tried putting fake eggs in the nesting box? It can help them make up their mind about where to lay.

I haven’t tried this! The first soft egg shell egg she laid was like 3 inches outside of the nesting box so I was waiting to see what she did with this one. If it isn’t in the nesting box, I will do this! Thanks!

 

[Larafamilychickens]

A couple of my chickens can get pretty vocal when they are about to lay an egg, especially if the favorite nesting box is unavailable. Sometimes they just like to announce they are laying an egg.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Some of mine will pace and plop out on while waiting for favorite box to open up.