13 weeks Friday…

[BrodeFarms]

We got our chickens on March 29 from TSC, so we’ve had them 13 weeks this Friday.
I am wondering when I should start getting ready for eggs. We’ve had the nesting boxes covered since we transitioned them to the coop, and I read around 4 months is when they can begin laying. But, they have started to go from pink to red around the eyes and the combs are getting darker. Is that an indication that they could possibly start laying soon? Should I be readying our boxes? Any information is welcome here

 

[SilverBirds]

I never cover my boxes. As long as they aren't sleeping in the nests I would leave them uncovered so they can start to investigate them. Depending on the breeds you got you could get start getting when they are 16-24 weeks old. Some breeds take longer to start producing eggs and certain factors such as daylight and temperature can affect laying as well.

 

[BrodeFarms]

We have black sex links, buff orpingtons and RIRs! Thank you, I will uncover them tomorrow morning!

 

[MamaPoult]

When they are getting near laying age their legs will turn more white than yellow color too! I agree uncover those boxes!

 

[BrodeFarms]

Okay thanks! Would you put fake eggs in the boxes too, or is that unnecessary

 

[SilverBirds]

I wouldn't put fake eggs in until they are at least 16 weeks old.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yeah, I think I would be getting ready. I'd be opening up the nests and putting golf balls in them. This lets the pullets know that these are safe places for them to lay their eggs. There may still be oopsies, where a gal may get caught short and the occasional egg may land on the coop floor or even on the ground out in the run, but they'll get the hang of it with practice.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I don't cover my boxes either. The roosts are above the nests so they don't sleep in them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I also don't cover my nests and I keep golf balls in them full time but now would be a good time to start uncovering yours. Gives the pullets time to explore the boxes for future use, and lets you address any issues with birds wanting to sleep in the boxes now rather than later.