Expert Opinions Needed

[bigblueteach]

This sapphire gem is about 4 months old. What’s an estimate on when she might start laying based on her comb and wattles

 

[thecatumbrella]

Unfortunately, they can fool you with the comb and wattles. It always seems that whoever grows them first lays last (in my experience)! Better indicators for me are:

1. Squatting when you hover a hand over her.
2. Increased vocalizations. She'll have lots to say when you visit.
3. Increased eating on the feeders.
4. Checking out the nest boxes with increased frequency.

Even then, you can still be waiting weeks for that first egg to pop out. It's a slog!