Comb and wattle in relation to onset of laying?

[AnnaPH]

Is it true that the color and size of a hen's comb and wattle are an indication of being ready to start laying? My hen with the most mature comb was injured and had to be on antibiotics last month~ I was told not to eat her eggs until eight weeks after she finished her meds, but now some of my hens are laying and I don't know which ones! I don't want to throw away perfectly good eggs, but I want to be safe. My thought was that her injuries and the antibiotics would probably delay the onset of laying, but when I read about the bright red comb signifying maturity, I got concerned...

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They are a sign to the rooster that she is ready for mating, which means she is also laying or about to start, when they quit laying due to molting or disease, their combs get pink and they shrink down, the rooster won't usually mate with them.

 

[aart]

Is it true that the color and size of a hen's comb and wattle are an indication of being ready to start laying? My hen with the most mature comb was injured and had to be on antibiotics last month~ I was told not to eat her eggs until eight weeks after she finished her meds, but now some of my hens are laying and I don't know which ones! I don't want to throw away perfectly good eggs, but I want to be safe. My thought was that her injuries and the antibiotics would probably delay the onset of laying, but when I read about the bright red comb signifying maturity, I got concerned...

It can be an indicator, but I've had several pullets/hens lay with fairly pale combs, so it's not a great indicator in your situation. Checking pelvic points is the best indicator IMO, but still not fool proof, you need something absolute when dealing with a medication withdrawal.

I would segregate the medicated bird for a few weeks to see if she if produces an egg....or at least to be able to eat the eggs that the other birds lay. A wire dog crate placed in coop and run for her will allow the other birds to still be able to see her and make reintegration easier later.

 

[AnnaPH]

Well, this morning she's on the nest with my Borp, so I know she's one of the ones laying. I wish I could be happy about it, but it does complicate things! At least I know she's made a full recovery, right?

 

[aart]

Well, this morning she's on the nest with my Borp, so I know she's one of the ones laying. I wish I could be happy about it, but it does complicate things! At least I know she's made a full recovery, right?

Ehhh, they can sit on a nest and not lay....I'd segregate to be certain.

What was the need for the AB?