15 1/2 week Black Australorps soon to lay?

[MaryTN]

Is it true that when pullets get bigger combs and waddles and they redden, then they are close to laying? My girls are 15 1/2 weeks and a its like all of a sudden their combs and waddles grew like crazy and reddened. Should I switch them to layer feed? These are my first babies.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yup they're starting to get closer.

I personally don't switch to layer until laying has actually begun. You can put out oyster shell on the side for them to start investigating, as well as open up nest boxes for that same reason, if boxes are currently blocked off.

 

[MaryTN]

I will open up their egg boxes and definitely put out some oyster shells. Thank you!