Hens

[Dollie 1]

When are hens ready to start laying eggs,our hens are maqking nest off there own,does that mean that there getting ready to lay eggs.The hens are about 51/2 mons old.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

17-30 weeks, depending on breed and the lighting they have been exposed to.
5 1/2 months is about right this time of year.
Do you have nest boxes set up in the coop? Are they dark, secluded and cozy?

 

[Dollie 1]

DO u have to have boxed in area for the hens to lay eggs

 

[ChickenCanoe]

No you don't have to because they will lay eggs no matter what.
The problem is, if you don't have nest boxes, you don't know where the eggs will be. They could be on the floor so be contaminated with feces. They could be out under a bush where you'll have to do a daily Easter egg hunt.

 

[JEsqueda]

When are hens ready to start laying eggs,our hens are maqking nest off there own,does that mean that there getting ready to lay eggs.The hens are about 51/2 mons old.

Within about 48 hours of beginning to lay, my girls started "circling" in the nesting boxes. I tossed a bunch of nesting material in the boxes, and they went in and built little hollowed out nests a day or two before the first egg.

I'd say you're close =)