BO changes, close to POL (blog style) [updated - first egg]

[ColoradoMike]

Quote:
I'm no 'expert' by any stretch of the imagination, but all three of our hens are now laying (this is our first flock, which we got as wee chicks in April). We have three different breeds (BR, RSL, Cali White) and all three started at different times. While the comb/wattles are a good indicator, I found that the Red Sex Link's comb/wattles didn't develop nearly as much as the others prior to laying - she was our first layer.

What I found to be the most consistent indicator of imminent egg laying is the squating behavior. All three of our hens began squatting submissivly when I was approaching them about a week or a week and a half before we saw the first egg. It is a behavior that continues too, which is nice since it makes it much easier to gather them up if need be.

Good luck!

 

[shaggy]

week 23

mingming's facial skin is definitely redder and her comb has more color to it --- also looks like her waddles are starting to develop

buttercup's comb has gotten taller and fatter ... also looks redder

 

[shaggy]

i didn't get a chance to update this last night ... wasn't feeling well and didn't get free time until after dark

if it is not raining today i will update tonight

 

[MIKE555444]

I hope I am not intruding...

This is a pic of my BO within a week of laying. I have 9 BOs adn noticed that they vary quite a bit between pullets so yours may not look this red before laying.

I would have loved to have your thread to reference from... I was going nuts waiting on the first egg lol

 

[shaggy]

Quote:
you are not intruding at all .... in fact the pics of your BO's is what inspired me to create this thread

 

[shaggy]

Week 24 and 5/7th's (i count weeks on sundays)

it has only been a week since MingMing's last photo and you can definitely tell that her comb is bigger and redder, looks like she is catching up to Buttercup. there is also a noticable difference in facial skin color and waddle development.

i don't know if her comb is growing so fast that it is scabbing over in the back or if one of the other hens is pecking at it. the base of her comb that attaches to her beak --- almost like the bridge of her nose is getting redder ... like the redness is creeping up from her face towards her comb

here is my daughter holding MingMing

 

[MIKE555444]

Quote:
you are not intruding at all .... in fact the pics of your BO's is what inspired me to create this thread

I tend to go a little pic crazy at times...

Enjoying your posts

 

[nature nut]

I'm loving this picture series. My BO is 18 weeks this Sunday and I keep thinking that I need to bring my camera out to see the changes in her but I haven't so far. I can't wait to see what yours looks like when the first one lays. I'm curious if the comb and wattles will be as big as mike555444's.

 

[maine chicks]

I am enjoying your pics as well. My buffs are very different from each other. Three have very pronounced wattles and one I was sure was a roo has been laying for a week now. They are about 24 weeks. I keep looking at the legs for those dreaded spurs. This morning I thing we had one try a doodle-doo for the first time. The one with the tinyest comb is also laying. Once I find out who the roo is I will hope it is only one. My coop is too small for two. Keep posting.

 

[Tecalli]

Thanks for this thread!
Mike555444, my orphington now has comb envy after seeing yours!
Here is my blue orphington, Amy, taken yesterday at 23 weeks of age.