I've got 8 hens, 19 weeks old, 2 are barred rock, one has a very very large red comb and making lots of noises, 3 buff orpingtons, again one of them has a large red comb, 3 EE's cant tell at all on them if they are ready. I try to touch them and they run, I don't know if they are squatting or not, would a skidish hen squat when she's about to lay even though she don't normally let you touch her? Come on GIRLS momma wants some eggs!!!
When they squat they push their bodies towards the ground, push out their wings, put their tails down and do a little back and forth foot stamp. You can pet them easily at this point. My BR started laying at 18 weeks, but it wasn't nearly as hot then. I think the heat hurts egg production a tad.
