Pullet and fake egg???

[Dixiedoodle]

My girls are 23+ weeks old and aren't laying yet...I have wooden eggs in the nest that are painted purple... Yesterday, I noticed that one of my barred rock girls was in the nest box and she was standing over the egg and 'pulling' in under her gently with her beak. I have seen broodies do this with their clutch.... Is this a sign of her maturing?? Possibly getting ready to lay? Or was she just trying to figure out what it was??? Thanks Dixie

 

[faykokoWV]

my soon to be laying BR just did the same thing with a golf ball last week.

Hope she starts laying soon.

 

[O.C.Chick]

I am dealing with the exact same issue with my Araucana (posted this exact question yesterday!). Got NO replies from the forum, but consulted with an expert today...Very informative information, but too detailed to summarize with any helpful explanation right now.

I'll post more info tomorrow, as I'm dealing with an incubator emergency tonight!

Alys