They're squatting!

[Raubkatze]

My pullets are 16 weeks old. Three Australorps and two EEs. First one, and then another, and now all but one of the EEs are squatting when I reach down to pet them. It's been a few days. How long before I should start checking around for eggs? Do I need to teach them where to lay, or will they figure out nesting boxes look like a nice place to do it?

 

[nuthatched]

You can put golf balls in the nest box so they know to lay there.
Edit.

 

[rosemarythyme]

7-10 days usually, after they start squatting. Make sure nest boxes are set up and ready to go. Ideally you will see them start messing around in the nests soon as well, which indicates they're considering them for laying.

You can put half balls in the nest box so they know to lay there.

I assume that was "golf" balls.

 

[Chickenpoonumber2]

I'm so excited for you!!!

 

[Raubkatze]

I'm so excited for you!!!

Me too! I mostly want to see what color the EEs will lay. Could be blue, green, or any color in between.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Exciting! It will feel like FOREVER before they start laying, even if it is only a few days! I hope you post pictures of your first egg!

 

[Chickenpoonumber2]

Yes! Please come back with egg pictures so I can live through you till my girls start laying

 

[Redhds]

Me too! I mostly want to see what color the EEs will lay. Could be blue, green, or any color in between.

My beautiful EE Jilly Bean gave us her first egg this week! She was actually born on Easter April 20 too. The little egg was light olive green. I learned that she will only lay green eggs. Silly me thought her egg colors would vary each time. Should've gotten a few more EEs, but then again they could've all had green eggs too. Dr Seuss would've been happy!