Getting close to laying?

[la399]

Hello all! I have 3 pullets that are 17 weeks old and am wondering if they’re getting close to laying. I’ll preface by saying it doesn’t really matter to me when they lay, I’m just curious if I’m reading the signs right. While I haven’t checked their vents yet, I’ve noticed someone’s been in the nest box rooting around and sitting and I have one that has developed a lot more red in her face than the others in the past 2 weeks. I have attached pictures below! I have 1 cream legbar, 1 Easter egger, and 1 blue splash Maran.

 

[sealer39]

The signs are right. Could be tomorrow, or a few weeks before the first egg. Go ahead and check their pelvic bones. That may tell you who is the closest to start laying.

 

[aart]

I’ve noticed someone’s been in the nest box rooting around

That to me is the surest signs that eggs are imminent.
Could be days or weeks yet....but soon!

 

[la399]

That to me is the surest signs that eggs are imminent.
Could be days or weeks yet....but soon!

Awesome! Like I said before, it doesn't really matter to me. My MIL seems to think the earliest they will lay is 9 months old but should be a year. I was like uhhh I don't think that's right lol.