chickens know egglaying?

[Hennyhandler]

I have opened the nest boxes to get ready for them to lay. Now, when it actually is time for them to lay will they just go to the box. I know they are attracted to a private dark area to lay and that you can put a fake egg in there to help them. That brings up another question of mine.

When should i put the fake eggs in there? Thank for any info you have on this.

 

[monathequeen]

How old are your chix ? have you had eggs before or is this your first time ?
Chickens will lay wherever it's convienient for them and when their ready to lay. My first egg was a little tiny one I found on my front porch......
When I built the nesting box's they went straight to the box to lay and I never had to put any kind of fake egg inside the box.
once they start laying in the box, everyone will follow suit and will always lay in the same place...........

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Anytime you want. Chickens don't really keep a timetable; they aren't out in the hen house ticking off the days on a calendar.
When they find the nests and the fake eggs, it will either have the desired effect or it wont, depending on their laying condition.

So that is what you really need to know. Here's how to find out.

Pick them up and hold them cradled on your left arm, feet astride and head to the rear. Then take the first three fingers of your right hand and press them into the pelvic area. If it is soft and the bones yielding, allowing all three fingers to press in easily, they are soon ready to lay - so get ready!
If the pelvic bones are tight and you cannot move them, with the pelvic region seeming hard and not, well, loose - then they aren't ready and you can relax.

So you gotta poke around the hens butt to find out what's what, or as they say:

"Guess what?
"Chicken butt!!"

Now you know where that saying comes from....

 

[Hennyhandler]

My chicks are about 14 to 15 weeks old maybe a little more than that. I know it's kinda early but i wanted to make sure and their combs and wattles are getting super red. Anyway, this is the first time i will have had eggs!!

I'm sooo excited. Thanks for all the info. It helps greatly.