the wait is driving me bonkers!!!

[momofchicks]

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!!!

 

[ThinkingChickens]

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.