Egg laying..

[DarleneE]

Are there any signs that will let you know that your chickens are ready to start laying eggs?? My girls are still young, just 15 wks old, but I was just wondering how I would know??

 

[chickenboy190]

Yes, there are. This is what I have learned on here. When they get ready to lay they will get a very very red comb. They also squat. Not all chickens do that though.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

You'll see their combs get large and red very quickly. Seems like it happens overnight. If you don't have a rooster, then the hens will crouch for you. They'll get low to the ground and spread out their wings and wait for you to mate them. It's a very distinctive stance. They'll also get interested in the nests and will look at them and even sit in them to try them out for a couple of weeks. Some golf balls or fake eggs in the nests help pullets know where to lay.

You didn't tell us the breed, so I don't have a prediction for when to look for eggs. Production breeds around 18 weeks, other breeds 22-30 weeks.

Oh, and get ready to switch from chick starter to layer pellets (or add free-choice calcium if you're using a Flock Raiser) when you see the first egg.

 

[DarleneE]

Oh my gosh I thought it was at 24 weeks when they start laying??!! I'm sorry.. I have a Barred Rock and an Easter Egger. I have them on starter feed now but I've already just bought a bag of the layer feed. I will give them the oyster shells at the first egg correct??

 

[CasadasHens]

My latest chick, sorry, pullet - has just started laying at 19 weeks.

 

[DarleneE]

Oh my goodness!! I had no idea so young!! Guess I better open up their nest then. We've had it closed so they wouldn't try to sleep in there. But I will open it and put a golf ball in each side this evening!! HOW exciting!! What breed do you have that layed so early??

 

[CasadasHens]

No breed, just a mixed mutt! The last one was slightly older and started laying at about 23 weeks. Good luck with yours

 

[DarleneE]

Thank you so much!! Good luck to you as well!!