Are My Leghorns Close to Laying?

[fluffycrow]

Yeah, she's the queen of the run at the moment. They tend to hang out under the coop during the heat of the day (I have a fan blowing through there to keep the air moving since it's been ridiculously hot), but they all head into the coop several times a day and spend time in the nesting box.

I'm hoping they'll instinctively know what to do, but the fake egg suggestion is a great idea. I'll see if I can find some. Joann Fabrics closed here, so I'll have to find another craft store that may carry them.

Golf and ping pong balls work great as well, if you’re able to find those more easily

 

[Chickenpoonumber2]

I snapped this picture just now. This lovely lady is 17 weeks. But no eggs yet

 

[SJsChickies]

Yeah, she's the queen of the run at the moment. They tend to hang out under the coop during the heat of the day (I have a fan blowing through there to keep the air moving since it's been ridiculously hot), but they all head into the coop several times a day and spend time in the nesting box.

I'm hoping they'll instinctively know what to do, but the fake egg suggestion is a great idea. I'll see if I can find some. Joann Fabrics closed here, so I'll have to find another craft store that may carry them.

I got some wood eggs on Amazon and TSC usually has ceramic ones! I've got a pullet so close to laying...super red comb and wattles, squatting and roaming the nesting boxes too! I'll cross my fingers for both of us that eggs come soon!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm hoping they'll instinctively know what to do, but the fake egg suggestion is a great idea.

Golf balls, egg shaped rocks, anything that's egg-like in shape and not easily broken can work.

 

[North_FL_Coops]

Golf balls, egg shaped rocks, anything that's egg-like in shape and not easily broken can work.

In other words, they are easily fooled!

 

[thecatumbrella]

not easily broken can work

This is key. I also have an Omlet Eglu, and one of my pullets would launch the fake egg down the length of the nest box while kicking around in there. Had to be on constant egg watch so she wouldn't punt a real one.

You're also correct that they'll eat more before laying! And get louder. MUCH louder. All must hear their grievances!

 

[CabritaChicks]

I snapped this picture just now. This lovely lady is 17 weeks. But no eggs yet

That lady is a rooster.

 

[SJsChickies]

That lady is a rooster.

You think so? Looks pullet to me and very close to POL. My Sapphire Gem just laid her first egg yesterday at 16 weeks on the dot.

 

[CabritaChicks]

You think so? Looks pullet to me and very close to POL. My Sapphire Gem just laid her first egg yesterday at 16 weeks on the dot.

That comb- that color- that age (17 weeks?) ? I had my Happy Chap. 17 weeks?.... Roo (IMO). More will chime in.

 

[thecatumbrella]

That lady is a rooster.

I strongly disagree. 17 weeks with no male feathering is a pullet in my book.