New hens

[Jadenrosesmom]

Almost a month ago I acquired 3 hens. They range from 1 to 2 years old. None have laid yet, 1 is molting so I don't expect her too until she's finished. One of the other girls a 2 year old Brahma typically runs from me as they all do, they haven't figured out I'm not so bad yet like the rest of my girls. But today the Brahma squatted when i approached instead of running, several times. I know with my pullets this means eggs are coming soon. With an older hen does this also mean she's getting comfortable enough now that laying could restart soon or being her age should I not put much into this behavior?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes. that is a good sign.
Egg laying is always reduced with transition, then of course we've got shorter daylight hours in winter (if you are in the northern hemisphere), and then molting.

All of that means eggs are scant for a bit. Squatting means eggs should be coming soon.

She may need to know where she should go. Pay attention if anyone in the flock is preventing her free access to nests.

LofMc

 

[Jadenrosesmom]

Yes. that is a good sign.
Egg laying is always reduced with transition, then of course we've got shorter daylight hours in winter (if you are in the northern hemisphere), and then molting.

All of that means eggs are scant for a bit. Squatting means eggs should be coming soon.

She may need to know where she should go. Pay attention if anyone in the flock is preventing her free access to nests.

LofMc

She has come in and taken over the boss role of my flock I think because of her size nobody even wants to try to stand up to her except my only currently laying girl my 7 month old FBCM that used to be the boss lady lol. I am in northern hemisphere but I am supplementing light. Hopefully it's a good sign that she is settling from her transition and I may see more eggs soon.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes. squatting is a sign. If she is now boss lady, she'll be laying in the golden nest first.

Keep an eye out
LofMc

 

[Jadenrosesmom]

Yes. squatting is a sign. If she is now boss lady, she'll be laying in the golden nest first.

Keep an eye out
LofMc

I'm definitely keeping a close eye since my pullets are all creeping up to point of lay as well. I got my first egg on Christmas morning! I have a couple other pullets all getting red and starting to develop waddles just watching them for comb development and squatting as well but right now is so fun having an egg the last 2 days from my girl that started squatting last week. Hopefully this big beautiful bossy lady is also getting settled and thinking laying again is a good idea!

 

[Jadenrosesmom]

Just an update. My marans has consistently laid since Christmas day but today I had a 2nd mystery egg which turns out came from the SLW that I got a month ago! She has been squatting a couple days. The Brahma that I acquired along with her has still not laid though she also doesn't seem to squat much anymore. Now just for the americauna to finish getting feathered again and laying. Rough time of year to have such a hard molt!