OK, it's my turn! ***YAY!!! TODAY WAS THE DAY!!!!!!!***

[mrbstephens]

I'm noticing that once someone posts a new topic about their non-laying hens they are pleasantly surprised by a first egg soon after. So now it's my turn! My five hens are 18 weeks old. I have 1 RIR, 1 BA, 1 LB, and 2 EEs. I've heard the egg song three times this week. After hearing it, I go to the coop like this.....

Then I walk away from the coop like this.......

One of the EEs has a very red face and the other one has been checking out the nesting box a lot. The LB and RIR also have a redder face. Now my rooster....he's been crowing a lot more often the last few days, has been sparring with the hens more and I've seen him try to step on a few of the hens especially the RIR(I'm not sure what that's all about). I haven't seen any of the hens squat at all though. When, oh when am I'm going to go out to the coop and do this....

Please people send me your positive vibes my way. Thank you!

 

[Kezzie]

Egg vibes headed your way...

 

[mrbstephens]

I thought you'd like to see some pics of my flock too.

Here's Alma the EE who's been very red:

Here's Johanna the other EE who's been checking out the nesting boxes:

Here's the Freda the RIR:

Here's Trixie, the LB:

Here's Margaret the BA:

Here's Pauly the PR roo:

Here are the nesting box with nothing but golf balls in them:

And just for fun, here is Pauly flapping his wings:

And the ladies having a snack. Pauly is a true gentleman and always lets the hens eat first.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:

I'm sorry, I just had to chuckle when I read this.

If you are hearing the egg song, they should start soon.
The rooster 'stepping on' the hens is probably him trying to breed them. He'll grab the backs of their heads and put his feet on the tops of her wings, then hold on for dear life

Be patient, it will happen!! Just think, next thing you know, you'll be posting questions like "What to do with all these eggs??"

 

[mrbstephens]

Quote:

I'm sorry, I just had to chuckle when I read this.

If you are hearing the egg song, they should start soon.
The rooster 'stepping on' the hens is probably him trying to breed them. He'll grab the backs of their heads and put his feet on the tops of her wings, then hold on for dear life

Be patient, it will happen!! Just think, next thing you know, you'll be posting questions like "What to do with all these eggs??"

Oh, I hope so!

 

[ChickenCat]

I understand your pain!

My BA girls are 18 weeks old today. My banties are 19 weeks old. Heard the egg song once this week.

Here's one of my "girls" really red.......

sometimes I have to look real close to distinguish the girls from the "guys".
Boxes are ready, getting laying feed and alot of pep talks.

 

[fordmommy]

My BA squats for over a week and has full comb and wattles and still no eggs. And she talks all the time. My RIR looks almost exactlly the same as yours and no squatting or anything from her. I wish there was some kinda magic trick to making these girls not be so "STINGEY". I guess this is all I can do.

 

[Big Fred]

this may sound silly but what the heck is a EE EB LE and so on. I know they are breeds and I get RIR. :I'm new and this drives me crazy, will someone help me.

Thanks

 

[wildorchid053]

mine have just started laying this week and i notice all the other hens and roosters sit beside her or around the area and they all purr and coo .. seems like they are trying to encourage her to lay or comfort her.. i don't really notice a song.. just really alot of soft noises..

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
This is fun reading! All sorts of abbreviations. It's in the FAQ part of the Index.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=184&p=1