Easter Egger Laying Prediction

[oystercrackers]

Hello, I'm Wondering about the signs for egg-laying. I know its mostly squatting, red-faced, and hanging around the nesting boxes but I haven't been able to tell for any except the hanging around the nesting boxes. My EE has been doing that lately. I Have a picture of my EE, but I can't determine if she's getting red-faced or not. I Have a picture down below and yes, I need to clean the coop.

 

[PioneerChicks]

I have never heard about hens and pullets getting red faces before that lay. Most chickens start laying at about 4 to 6 months, though silkies and game bantams and a few other breeds might take up to 9 months.

 

[tn_artist]

This is one of my Buttercups. The first picture is two months ago. The second is a couple of weeks before she started laying.
Not only did she redden, but her comb and wattles grew. This was the same for my d'Uccle, Cochins and OEGB before they laid. The change was more subtle with the EEs.

 

[oystercrackers]

Thanks for the comparison Pictures, Beautiful coloring on her from what I can see, also. She definitely got a really red, ill look at some EE laying hen photos and compare from there, most likely. Thanks for sharing!

 

[chrissynemetz]

For me the biggest sign has been checking out nest boxes. Every pullet I've noticed suddenly hanging out around the nests, has always started laying within a week or so.

 

[oystercrackers]

For me the biggest sign has been checking out nest boxes. Every pullet I've noticed suddenly hanging out around the nests, has always started laying within a week or so.

Alright thanks, though it might just be the weather getting colder. it's staying around the low 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and she's 5 and a half months old so I wouldn't be surprised for either reason. Thanks for all the comments though!

 

[aart]

Put some fake eggs in the nests.
Hanging around the nests is not a sign of onset of lay,
they may be 'hiding' from something,
but scratching around in the nests is.

Here's some tips about how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[Ted_Harrell]

How old is your EE, just so the others here will be able to answer your question better...?

 

[oystercrackers]

She's 24 weeks, so I'm expecting eggs possibly 6 weeks from now or later. Thanks for the scratching mention also, I didn't know that.