Squatting chickens

[Smallflockchickens]

Do chickens start squatting before or after their first egg?? Thanks in advance!

 

[Glasshen]

They squat first. Then you can start looking more carefully for eggs.

 

[Smallflockchickens]

Thanks, and hens normally lay around 5-6 months correct and depending on their breed.

 

[StarLover21]

Thanks, and hens normally lay around 5-6 months correct and depending on their breed.

Yes, before, and some chickens never squat. If your siggy is current, austalopes, gold stars, barred rocks, and RIR are all early matures. Most lay from 18-25 weeks. Your brahama though I would expect to lay 25-30 weeks. Also, since it's winter, they may start later.

 

[Glasshen]

I just checked, mine started at 19.5 weeks. But, they were hatched in mid April, so they were coming of age during the summer, and laid the first egg Sept. 6. Since it is winter now, there are less eggs. Someone with experience may know if the time of year matters to how long before a pullet lays...I have my first chickens, 4 Rhode Island Reds and 2 Barred Rocks, so there is a lot I don't know!

 

[vsmenagerie]

I currently have three that will squat for me and I got my first egg yesterday. One of my buffs has been squatting for about 2 weeks? now I think. I have two buffs and one brahma doing it. I go out and stick my hand over or on their back to check.

 

[Glasshen]

Yaaaah for eggs!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Once they start squatting check for eggs within a couple of weeks sometimes!!!

 

[BirdMan32]

I currently have three that will squat for me and I got my first egg yesterday. One of my buffs has been squatting for about 2 weeks? now I think. I have two buffs and one brahma doing it. I go out and stick my hand over or on their back to check.

Why do you check their backs?

 

[mlm Mike]

By touching their back or even reaching to touch them will trigger them to squat when close to egg laying age.