Question About Egg Laying...

[ChickenGirl555]

I'm expecting 1 or 2 of my chickens to lay soon. I entered my pullets' birthdate in a calculator website or something, and it said they would lay around February 14th. One of my EEs, Robin, is now nicknamed, "Loud Mouth" because of how much she loves to 'talk', and it's like one of my Barred Rocks, Batman, is trying to be louder! They both also squat when I simply try to pick them up or pet them, and also they are becoming super friendly and I'm wondering if that has anything to do with maturing? Any ideas?

Alright, back to the question. Batman and Robin (Funny how it turned out to be those two, I know ) have been giving these 'signs' that they are going to lay, and I've been killing myself with excitement for the first egg. My family's a big egg eating family, and we love animals (well, the rest of my family tolerates them while I'm the crazy chicken lady). So you can see why I'm excited. But ok, I keep getting off track. My question is, if I were out with them, cleaning the coop or just filling their feeder and water, do you think they would lay with me there? And if it happened, how would I know she was/is laying? I've read that they all start getting loud with like an "Egg song" or something? I'm not sure if this is true so I'm sorry if that sounds dumb.

Like I said, this is my first egg, so I've had chickens for less than a year. Sorry if this is a dumb question.

 

[sourland]

Squatting is in indicator of sexual maturity so your pullets may be about to lay. Due to the time of year and short day length they may start a bit later than the calculated date. If they are accustomed to your presence they may lay while you are there. Good luck, and patience. It's an exciting thing.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Some birds sing an egg song, some sing it for others, some just like to watch you run out of the house with the egg basket...

The squatting and friendly behavior is a sign they're likely to start laying soon. You don't have to change anything with your routine. If they're used to seeing you out there but it's time for an egg, they'll just walk away and hop in the nest box. Unless you do something to distract them like handing out treats they should stay in there until they're done.