Waiting on our eggs - Anyone experience this?

[The3JBs]

We have three, 18 week old buff orps and we're patiently waiting for our first eggs. One of them, PJ, is definitely the furthest along developmentally. She is much redder on her comb and wattle than the other 2. In the past few days she's become much more vocal, both in volume and frequency of her "talking". Has anyone else seen this happen before they start laying? Excited in OH!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Sounds like she's getting closer for sure- and, yes, that change in vocalizations is very common as they approach the point of lay. I've seen (or heard, lol) it anywhere from a few days-3 weeks prior to the laying of the first egg....and had a few others who's "voice" shifted after they started laying. I have an EE who was all but silent for the first 23 weeks of her life, and knew she was ready to give me eggs when she started honking away (quieter than the rest of the flock, but quite loud for her, lol) at me one day -- two days later, pretty blue egg. Your wait is close to being over -- hang in there!

 

[spotsplus]

Sounds like she's getting ready! Typically I see the hens inspecting the egg boxes, going in and out of the coop, hanging around the coop and doing a lot of "talking"

 

[The3JBs]

WE GOT OUR FIRST EGG!!! Don't know which girl it was but I'm sure the others will follow! Thanks all for your input!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

WE GOT OUR FIRST EGG!!! Don't know which girl it was but I'm sure the others will follow! Thanks all for your input!

Congrats on the first egg -- that is such a great picture!