When does the squat start in relation to laying?

[Young MacDonald]

Hey all,

I've read some posts on here about how you can tell a hen is about to lay her first egg when she walks around and squats low to the ground.

My oldest, 21.5 weeks, just started doing it today. She's also squeezing her vent pretty much nonstop. I'm wondering if we should expect her first egg today or does that behavior go on for a few days before she will lay?

It's already pretty late in the day. Should I look for an egg tomorrow morning? They are free to roam in the backyard so I'll have to look in a variety of spots.

Thanks!

 

[marytoast]

She is old enough to lay. I would expect eggs from her soon.

 

[Young MacDonald]

thanks.

What has the experience of BYCers regarding how far from the start of the squating behavior does laying begin?

A week, two? Just a few days?

 

[cmom]

Any day. Could be today or a few days from today but it is usually with-in a few days. Also the comb and wattles will turn red.

 

[NellaBean]

Mine has done the squat for over a month before laying....but it got a lot more exaggerated in the last week or so and the first egg came yesterday. As soon as I reach for her, she hunkers down and squats and keeps doing it over and over. Finally this week, I have started fluffing her feathers with my hands and giving the ones on the back of her head a little tug when she squats. If I do it just right, she will fluff herself and walk off and then act normal....if not, she will just keep squatting over and over.

Crazy girls.......