Australorp Question :-)

[Clousic Chicks]

Good Day, All!
I am new to having Australorp hens. My girls are 22 weeks this Saturday. They are JUST NOW getting combs and wattles. I have attached a photo of the one with the most developed comb and wattles. I'm sure I won't get eggs until they are in fully. Can someone please tell me when to expect eggs? My last flock of hens (non-Aussies)

started at 18 weeks. The wait is killing me! I have kept the light in their coop the same since summer...so they have roughly 14 hours a day.
THANKS bunches for the answers to my inquiring mind!

 

[sourland]

The pullet pictured is not far from laying.

 

[BlueBaby]

I agree. She is close to start laying.

 

[karissapaul]

you can tell by putting your hand near her back, if she sits then she is ready.

 

[aart]

Here's some tips and tricks(works on any breed):
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[moniquem]

This is Thelma, she laid her first egg at around 23 weeks. I've gotten one from her about 4-5 times per week. She's a really nice girl and has beautiful big brown eyes....

 

[Grits&Eggs]

Unless mine were older when I got them my Australorps started laying at 18 weeks, just a few hens, at 22 weeks all 6 were in full production and I have gotten 5-6 eggs every day since then. Does she squat when you go to put your hands on her? That is how I knew we were close! They are a wonderful, close flock, and I love my girls!

 

[Evelyn's Mom]

She looks nearly ready! So big and fluffy! Just be patient If you don't have any others already laying, put some dummy eggs or golf balls in a nest box or two to "show them the ropes" . So egg-citing!