getting them ready to lay?

[cybrchick]

Our hens are about 17 weeks (2 RIR, 2 americauna, 1 deleware). We tore out the old nesting boxes a few weeks back and are replacing them this weekend and giving better roosting boards. They free range all day but I read to keep them in their run til late afternoon and only let out a few hours so they learn where to lay eggs, when they start. I keep reading about golf balls but what for?

What is the squat people talk about chickens doing before they start laying? I also read their combs and their butts get bigger? Trying to guage how close we might be. What else can I look for?

 

[animallover505]

Their combs and waddles get bigger and red

 

[Alaskan]

Fake eggs in the nest boxes really do help (not always..but lots of times, and it doesn't hurt to try).

Yes, some people do say the " let them out in the afternoon thing" because many hens like to lay in the morning.

But, hens are each and everyone so very different, so you will get some that lay in the afternoon too.

You will just ave to wait and see.

Good luck!

 

[cybrchick]

Thanks, so how will we know when its getting close? I just read it could be a few more months on our americaunas, but the delewares and reds should be getting close age wise. What is the squat thing?

 

[realsis]

They will squat down real low to the ground as if your a rooster. Its a sign of sexual maturity
You Will be able to easily identify this behavior.it means eggs are close.