Weird noise and Behavior

[ChickenGirl555]

My 5 month old Easter egger, Robin, has been making this weird noise for a while. She is the only one that does it. I’m wondering why she does it. She usually only makes the noise when I’m around, and when I put my had on her back she stretches her wings out a little and sit down immediately. I don’t know if this is her submitting to me or what. So I have these TWO weird things she’s doing. The website won’t let me attach a video, so it’s like a growl, but it’s also like a scream. Please try to imagine the two together, I’m sorry if this was not useful.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[sourland]

Not certain about the vocalization, but the physical action is 'squatting'. It's what a hen will do to facilitate mating when approached by a rooster. She is starting to mature sexually.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Not certain about the vocalization, but the physical action is 'squatting'. It's what a hen will do to facilitate mating when approached by a rooster. She is starting to mature sexually.

Does this mean she will lay eggs soon? Or is this just a behavior thing?

 

[rebrascora]

Yes it is a sign that she is getting ready to lay. Not all pullets or hens for hat matter will squat but it indicates that she is ready to be mated which means that she will start laying soon if she hasn't already. They often get quite noisy at point of lay too. Some take to screeching, others chatter. Are you seeing the nesting material in the nest boxes disturbed. That is often another sign that you are about to see a return on your investment. Good luck and let's see a photo of that first egg when you get it.

 

[rusty acres]

Sounds like you'll be getting an egg soon! Like others mentioned, they are close when they start squatting. And they can get pretty vocal when they are close to laying, it sometimes sounds like they are in distress. Have you noticed her combs getting larger and/or more red? That's another sign, too.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Yes it is a sign that she is getting ready to lay. Not all pullets or hens for hat matter will squat but it indicates that she is ready to be mated which means that she will start laying soon if she hasn't already. They often get quite noisy at point of lay too. Some take to screeching, others chatter. Are you seeing the nesting material in the nest boxes disturbed. That is often another sign that you are about to see a return on your investment. Good luck and let's see a photo of that first egg when you get it.

Oh this makes me so happy! I'm a big egg eater and can't wait for my first egg! I really hope she lays soon because since she'll give me some cool color like blue or green or something! I'm just so excited!!

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Sounds like you'll be getting an egg soon! Like others mentioned, they are close when they start squatting. And they can get pretty vocal when they are close to laying, it sometimes sounds like they are in distress. Have you noticed her combs getting larger and/or more red? That's another sign, too.

Oh yes! All of those things are what she's doing! At first, I was worried the noises meant she was a rooster but now laying makes more sense. Also, her comb is really red. I'm so relieved she's not a rooster and thrilled she might lay soon!

 

[ChickenGirl555]

How much longer do you think it will be until her first egg?

 

[rusty acres]

Oh yes! All of those things are what she's doing! At first, I was worried the noises meant she was a rooster but now laying makes more sense. Also, her comb is really red. I'm so relieved she's not a rooster and thrilled she might lay soon!

EE roosters can be more subtle in appearance than other breeds/kinds, but there is usually other rooster-y behavior to go along with it that you would've picked up on. And in my (limited) experience, the crowing sound roosters make starts much earlier than 5 months. When 3 out of my 4 first chickens turned out to be roosters, I knew by 3 months. I'd say squatting is a pretty definitive sign you've got a girl who's ready to lay soon

 

[Mark Cavalli]

Chicken lady you sound very excited and yes it is exciting to get your first egg. I do agree with everybody else she is ready to lay I have an Easter Eger that just started laying she is giving us beautiful blue eggs. And she is five months old as well. So good luck to you and let us see that first egg I myself curious what color you will get.