Ready to Lay?

[grampsjim]

I noticed this morning while my blk astralorp was in her nest laying her daily egg that one of the other chickens was actually sitting
by her and watching. Her neck was stretched out and if she could have she would've been behind the hen. Her and her sister
have been squatting a lot. I didn't know that they would actually watch another hen lay! I'm guessing this is normal behavior? Are there any other signs that they are getting ready to lay?

 

[aart]

Yep, sometimes they cheer one another on...or it seems keep each other company nearby or in the nest.

Squatting is one sign, reddening and enlargement of comb and wattles is another, they sometimes get a bit goofy prelaying...running around and pacing and squawking.

Sounds like it won't be long!