Getting ready to lay?

[awalters0815]

I have three golden comets (buff/golden sex links) 21 weeks old. I brought them home at 18 weeks. Their combs are darker and they started making nests on the floor of their coop. Are they getting ready to lay?

 

[Lesa]

Do you have your nesting boxes ready? Are they squatting for you? They should be close...Enjoy your fresh eggs!

 

[awalters0815]

Quote:
I have had one nesting box ready since they moved in. they squat when I pet them.

 

[Lesa]

Should be any day then! If they free range, keep an eye outside, as well. Good luck!

 

[flockof4]

Eggs are coming soon. If they'll let you, you can put them in the nesting box just so they get the idea. Enjoy your first eggs.

 

[awalters0815]

Got our first egg today. 21 weeks. She layed it in the oyster shell dish at about Noon. Hopefully more is to come. It cracked so I scrambled it and fed it to them!

 

[lisa new chickens]

Do their combs get dark red when they are ready to lay???I have a rescued meat hen, but she is only 12 weeks, and her comb is turning darker...I am new to this, don't laugh!

 

[awalters0815]

Quote:
Yes! I noticed yesterday that one of the three had a much redder comb that day. Today she layed! All three have a red comb today so hopefully that mean 3 eggs tomorrow. From what I have red and been told, the red comb in a sign of increased hormones (the hormones nedded to produce the egg). Good luck

 

[underground chickenman]

Although it can be a sign that laying is imminent, the combs and wattles also redden and enlarge as part of the normal maturing process. At 12 weeks, I would guess that she is just going through a normal growth stage. I wouldn't look for eggs before 20 weeks. Be pleasantly surprised if they come earlier and don't be disappointed if they come much later, especially for a meat bird.

UGCM

 

[lisa new chickens]

That is what I thought. she is a rescued meat hen from my neighbors huge chicken house. He sells his to Zaxby's..

..I was also told she was bred to die after 8 weeks. she is happy and tame and does everything a normal chicken does. If she lays an egg, I will be happy, if not, I will be happy. I love her dearly. i gave her a life she was not bred to have. she has a happy home...