Early egg laying signs

[LCfarms]

So my 14 girls are now about 16 weeks so they are hopefully getting closer to that time. Today i noticed one of my barred rocks would squat down(almost in a egg laying position) and she would start breathing really heavey but not panting. Is this a sign of them starting to possibly begin laying?, is she egg bound?, or is she meerly constipated?

 

[brahmabreeder]

She could be getting ready. Check the width between her pubic bones. Mine are usually around 3 fingers apart if they are getting ready.

 

[LCfarms]

Will do! Thanks

 

[LCfarms]

Well i went to check her today and a new question came to mind. How do you check pelvic width?

 

[brahmabreeder]

It's right below the vent. You will feel two bones poking out and you measure the space in between them. Sorry if you still don't understand. I'm bad at telling people directions.

 

[LCfarms]

O okay thanks that helped. My biggest girl is about 2 fingers. How much time does it normally take to widen? Also should I start them on layer feed before their first egg or after ive seen one

 

[realsis]

you can start layer after her egg. I've noticed when mine are ready to lay they squat down for me when I come near. this is a sign of sexual maturity. once they do that eggs will soon follow.

 

[brahmabreeder]

O okay thanks that helped. My biggest girl is about 2 fingers. How much time does it normally take to widen? Also should I start them on layer feed before their first egg or after ive seen one

WHen mine get to about three fingers wide then I know within a few weeks I will start getting eggs.

 

[chickenkid104]

Hey guys, i have a question i have 4 redstars and i was wondering how early they could lay eggs, because yesterday i found 7 eggs, mind you my chickens are 15 week.

 

[mithious]

I'm about there too, I think? I have red faced pullets, 16 1/2 week BR's. Yesturday, my poor cockerel was getting mauled. I have 14 pullets and the one cockerel. The girls were all over him. They don't squat for me, but they sure were for him. They were all over him. He just wanted a dust bath, they wanted HIM...tails to the sky, they were in front of him, behind him, beside him. He got so fed up, he actually pecked a couple on the head and they still wouldn't leave him alone. and they are not dust bathing....poor guy, he has no clue what they want but is the most popular chicken in the flock right now.

How long do you think it might be before they start to lay? Some have had red faces for 2-3 weeks now. I noticed some sitting in the nest boxes lately also. I am switching them over to layer feed now, slowly, and I think that is helping the process more also...or is it just taking a natural progression?


Thanks!!!