Who is laying?

[marin chicks]

hi-
I have six new hens (pullets) and three started laying eggs. I only saw one actually lay so I knew she was laying. Who is laying? While in their coop feeding them breakfast today I remembered my older flock would “lay down “ when I went to pet them once they started laying. Sure enough I went one by one to my new hens and only three let me pet them by laying down flat. Am I crazy or is this a true indicator that they are laying hens?

 

[JaeG]

That's known as squatting which is what a hen will do to submit to her rooster. It is a sign of maturity and it's often an indicator that they are preparing to start laying, or already are, plus they see you as their protector. You do get the odd hen who won't squat. In your situation it probably is a good indication of which of your girls are laying.

 

[aart]

Am I crazy or is this a true indicator that they are laying hens?

You are not crazy, well maybe you are, but not about that

Here's some other ways to tell:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/