Can my Cockerel help tell me who is ready to lay?

[RevlisRemmah]

I have 15 pullets that are 23 weeks. Two confirmed layers. Some days I get an egg from each. They have been laying about 4/5 eggs each per week for the last two weeks.

I am anxiously waiting for the other 13 to start laying. I do have one cockerel who is a few weeks older than the girls. I hVe seen him mate one of the confirmed layers, but today I saw him mate one of my olive eggers who i know hasn’t laid an egg yet. Her comb is getting more red by the day, I assume she’s close. Can my cockerel be a good indicator of who will be laying soon? Will he only mate those close to POL? Or is he just trying to practice his mating game and doesn’t care how close they are?

 

[sourland]

In my experience he will mate whoever he can get, but the pullets who will be most receptive are those who are laying or about to do so. If the pullets are accepting him they will probably start laying soon.

 

[RevlisRemmah]

In my experience he will mate whoever he can get, but the pullets who will be most receptive are those who are laying or about to do so. If the pullets are accepting him they will probably start laying soon.

That’s a great point. She’s very submissive, doesn’t struggle or try to run. Also doesn’t squak or complain. And he’s still getting the hang of it so it takes him a minute to get his balance

 

[aart]

Check pelvic points.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[RevlisRemmah]

Check pelvic points.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

I’ve got to be honest, I have read this and it’s kind of intimidating! It’s a great article- very informative, but I’ve never done one so it’s hard for me to envision what to feel for.

 

[aart]

but I’ve never done one so it’s hard for me to envision what to feel for.

It's a bit tricky at first, can be hard to find the vent under all the feathers.
I hold them head down butt up in my left arm and use my right hand to part feathers.
Blowing on them can help too, sounds rather obscene but it works.

 

[RevlisRemmah]

And off the roost is probably the easiest way, right? At least to start?

 

[aart]

And off the roost is probably the easiest way, right? At least to start?

That's how I do all my exams,
well after dark wearing a tilt-able headlight,
they are much easier to 'catch' then