Suddenly Vocal RIR - seems upset, but why?

[terence]

Hi all,

I've got an RIR hen (~18 weeks, so no eggs yet) who is suddenly considerably more vocal than before.

She's always cawing about, seemingly wanting something or unhappy. She even lets herself be picked up and handled more than the others. When I bring a waterer over to her, she immediately drinks then loses interest and goes back to making noise. I've also seen her scratch at the waterer/dirt nearby until the water is completely dirty.

Since I don't see any of the others (RIRs or other breeds) doing that, I have to assume it's something specific to her, but I've no clue what's going on.

Is this common? A problem? What might it mean?

Thanks,

Terence

 

[gritsar]

A few of my hens got very vocal and more loving right before they started to lay.

 

[JennsPeeps]

My RIR waited until she was about a year old before she got really vocal.

 

[farmerkim]

I have one (spoiled) leghorn that will walk up to me and make a big fuss. She's begging for treats, if I give her a treat she stops. Could this be the case with yours?

 

[terence]

Hi,

I'd thought the laying thing might be it, though of course I won't know for several more days, probably.

I don't usually give them treats, though, so I don't think that's it. (I would, but all of the RIRs have always been reluctant to eat from my hand. They'll do it, but only if they're really hungry.)

I was primarily worried that something was wrong, and it doesn't seem that's the case from your replies so far.

Hopefully,

Terence

 

[henryetta]

mine got much more vocal 2-3 days before her first egg...wonder if that could be it??

 

[imtc]

I would guess egg laying too.

 

[crtrlovr]

sounds like it may be close to eggy-time. My girls all did that; they had LOTS to say just before they started laying.