Signs to tell your hen is about to start laying?

[missythechicken]

Thank you in advance!

 

[Bridebeliever]

If you go to touch them on their back they squat. (Kind of crouch down and put her wings out a little bit.) She started laying 2 weeks after she started this behavior.

 

[aart]

Signs of onset of lay---I've found the pelvic points to be the most accurate.
Squatting:
If you touch their back they will hunker down on the ground, then shake their tail feathers when they get back up.
This shows they are sexually mature and egg laying is close at hand.

Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.
Tho I have found that the combs and wattles can look full and red one minute then pale back out the next due to exertion or excitement, can drive ya nuts when waiting for a pullet to lay!

2 bony points(pelvic bones) on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.

 

[Bridebeliever]

Signs of onset of lay---
Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.
Tho I have found that the combs and wattles can look full and red one minute then pale back out the next due to exertion or excitement, can drive ya nuts when waiting for a pullet to lay!

I have noticed that when my Pullet (a chocolate Orpington) is actively getting ready to pop out her egg her comb and wattle turn a little pale where she is normally bright red and shiney! She also makes a low grumbly sound and an almost grunty sound. Very interesting, I can actually "see" when she is going to lay. She has layed 13 eggs in 14 days!

 

[aart]

Quote: My notes actually are about before onset of lay...but they can change from one moment to the next regardless of laying status.
My best layers comb is actually pretty pale most the time.