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Does Rooster show when pullets have started to lay ?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by Inkheart, Sep 27, 2010.

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  1. Sep 27, 2010 #1
    Inkheart

    Inkheart Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Aug 15, 2010
    Columbus Ohio
    Hello All
    I havea general question - i was curious when dealing with pullets - someone told me that one way to know your pullets are ready to start laying or have - the rooster will start showing "interest" in them rather than just dealing with them as they were chicks? Is there any truth to this ?
    Thanks
     
  3. Sep 27, 2010 #2
    Judy

    Judy Moderator Staff Member

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    Sure, at least some. Depends on the roo. Some roos will guard a laying hen in the nest. Laying and mating both start around the same time. You will start to see roo behaviors like calling the hens to treats, dropping one wing and circling them, simply guarding them, etc. If you have a good roo and he has matured enough.
     
  5. Sep 27, 2010 #3
    tuesdays chicks

    tuesdays chicks Chillin' With My Peeps

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    ddawn has more experience then I have, but if a rooster is showing signs that he is interested in the girls if he is the same age its his hormones at work not theirs, if it is an older rooster I think its possibly more of a sign that they have matured, my Brahma is showing signs she's ready to mate but she has yet to give me an egg, they will lay when the eggs come lol.
     
  7. Sep 27, 2010 #4
    lynxs1981

    lynxs1981 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Good roosters also have other laying behaviors to watch for. Mine will follow one of the girls around with this low growl until she squats to lay; then he watches over her and just talks to her till she's done. He also tends to jump in and out of the nest boxes until the hen jumps up in there.
     

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