What are the Symtoms of a Hen Ready to Lay???

[chicklin]

Hi all !!!! I have a hen that was in a nestbox picking up strands of hay with her beak (perhaps fluffing up the nest?) Is this a sign that she is ready to lay, or is she just curious about the nestbox? Or is she possibly going broody? The hen is about 4 months old. Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[Cockadoodledon't]

She is about the right age to start laying....
She could be curious....
Keep an eye on her and see if you catch her sitting the nest for any length of time.

 

[fshinggrl]

Red comb & waddles. Squatting. Egg song

What you describe is great too!

 

[chicklin]

This may be a silly question, but... What do you mean by squatting?

 

[Babe77]

Also curious on the squatting?

 

[Kittymomma]

This may be a silly question, but... What do you mean by squatting?

Not a silly question, just new vocabulary--silly questions are what I ask when I have to have my teenager explain all the abbreviations in a text message.


Squatting is what they do when you walk up to them they kinda push themselves toward the ground--squat. It's what they do when the roos mate with them, but they'll do it when their dominant chicken (you) gets close too. Not all of mine do this though. I think the reddening of the comb and wattles is the best indicator.​

 

[Cockadoodledon't]

Quote:
Tell me more about "egg song" )

 

[Babe77]

Tell me more about "egg song" )

 

[eekgads]

Thanks, Babe77, for the links! The 2 videos definitely demo "egg song" very well! (I didn't know there was a term for that particular vocalization!

)

 

[Cockadoodledon't]

Yes...thank you.