Pullets have been squatting for a month, but no eggs. What's the deal?

[countryladyNH]

Young hens become very vocal before their first egg, mine will talk loudly to me every time I pass them, then within a week or two they start to lay, they also start checking out the nest boxes, make sure you have fake eggs in them, it helps them to know where it's safe to lay, and their attitudes change, more adult like, don't be in such a hurry, laying too early isn't always good for them, and some chickens can take up to a year to start, I would think the breeds you have would start up in the next month or so, the squatting for you is more of a submission thing, but it is also a sign of wanting to mate, I sometimes will put my hand on their backs and shake it around, silly birds think I actually did something to them and will get up and shake off then go about their business

LOL, We have 4 buff orpingtons. 2 have been doing the 'squatting' thing for a week or so. I have also seen them stay in the coop in the AM checking out the nest boxes JUST recently even though we've had straw and fake eggs in them for the last month. Like you, I rub their backs/back ends when they squat, which they seem to like, ha ha!
The last week we've kept them in the run until noontime instead of letting them out in the AM to free range as before. No first egg yet....I thought I read that after they started the squat thing it would only be about a week or so. They are about 5 to 6 mo. old.
I have checked the yard when they have been out, and we're pretty sure there are no hidden eggs. Only one time, about 4 nights ago, around 8, just after they all went into the coop and were locked in for the night did I hear a lot of carrying on and screaming from all of them. I went out, but no---no egg.
We do notice they all seem more 'friendly' and much less skittish than months or weeks ago.
This is our first foray into chicken keeping. Hoping for that first egg soon. Trying not to be impatient, but was just wondering because it seems everyone says they produce an egg very soon after the squatting starts.

 

[countryladyNH]

YAY!!!! HOW EXCITING! CONGRATULATIONS! SO HAPPY FOR YOU~

LOL, We have 4 buff orpingtons. 2 have been doing the 'squatting' thing for a week or so. I have also seen them stay in the coop in the AM checking out the nest boxes JUST recently even though we've had straw and fake eggs in them for the last month. I rub their backs/back ends when they squat, which they seem to like, ha ha!
The last week we've kept them in the run until noontime instead of letting them out in the AM to free range as before. No first egg yet....I thought I read that after they started the squat thing it would only be about a week or so. They are about 5 to 6 mo. old.
I have checked the yard when they have been out, and we're pretty sure there are no hidden eggs. Only one time, about 4 nights ago, around 8, just after they all went into the coop and were locked in for the night did I hear a lot of carrying on and screaming from all of them. I went out, but no---no egg.
We do notice they all seem more 'friendly' and much less skittish than months or weeks ago.
This is our first foray into chicken keeping. Hoping for that first egg soon. Trying not to be impatient, but was just wondering because it seems everyone says they produce an egg very soon after the squatting starts.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine always started squatting up to a month before. They seem to get very vocal when they are within a week of beginning. Buff Orpingtons usually start between 5-6 months of age, so you are on target.