"Please don't tell me I'm a rooster, too."

[corewassen87]

Your welcome : o )

 

[ejdgoris]

She's a pullet. That red comb and wattles mean that she's close to laying. You could get that first egg at any time. )

Sorry, one more question.... (I'm feeling impatient)! I've been watching her pretty closely and haven't been able to elicit the submissive squat, which I've read about. Will I definitely see that before she starts laying? Some of other pullets in the flock are Light Brahmas and a Buff Orpington, all of which I've read often take more time to mature.... I neglected to realize that selecting dual purpose birds likely meant that they would take longer to begin laying as they build body mass.

 

[BantamLover21]

Pullet.

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks for the tips!

You're welcome.

 

[Michael OShay]

Sorry, one more question.... (I'm feeling impatient)! I've been watching her pretty closely and haven't been able to elicit the submissive squat, which I've read about. Will I definitely see that before she starts laying? Some of other pullets in the flock are Light Brahmas and a Buff Orpington, all of which I've read often take more time to mature.... I neglected to realize that selecting dual purpose birds likely meant that they would take longer to begin laying as they build body mass.

Have you actually approached her? She probably won't do the squat unless you are actually in touching distance of her. I don't think I ever had a hen that was about to start laying fail to squat when I reached out to touch her.

 

[Mutt Farm]

X3. I worried about 1 hen, She matured early and got really red really young. BYC said pullet, they were right. Her comb and wattles are bright red, no eggs yet though...

 

[ejdgoris]

I have reached out to touch her a few times and haven't seen a squat. She is increasingly vocal and always runs up to/after me for treats, etc. She is also the only one to jump for treats. When I tried to touch her, she just dodged. Unfortunately, I bought these as 10-12 week pullets, so they were not used to being handled from the beginning.