How can i tell if a hen is laying?

[Manuel742]

I know it sounds like a dumb question, but this is my first year with peafowl. The reason i ask is because one of my 2 peahens disappears for a little then she shows up like nothing. But what i would like to know if there are any signs that she is laying?
Sorry if i dont make much sense my english isn't very good

 

[MGG]

You could try to follow her, she may be hiding her eggs. I think there is some way to tell by looking at their vent but I don't remember what it is. Sorry

 

[casportpony]

Peahens lay their eggs in the evening before it gets dark, so if she is disappearing around dusk, then she is probably laying an egg.

 

[Dany12]

Southern Hemisphere or Northern Hemisphere?

 

[Manuel742]

Northern

 

[Dany12]

So early in the year and already eggs - thanks to artificial lighting?
Naturally in the south of the USA the first egg is March or April ... right?

 

[Manuel742]

No no artificial lights, i barely got light to my house haha.it was just a question but i guess she is not laying because its during the day that she gets lost. I

 

[Fairview01]

At least on chickens when the vent gets really wide and very moist they are laying or getting really close.

 

[KsKingBee]

The visual indicator I look for at the beginning of the season is the general appearance of the hen. Notice in my first pic the narrow look of the hen on the left compared to the wider fuller look of the hen on the right. I call it the 'skirt' getting wider, perhaps it is the ova factory is plumping in preparation.

The side view also shows how the skirt is filling out and the lowered relaxed position of the wings is apparent. That being said if she is disappearing during the day she has probably found a place that is providing a food source or is looking for a nesting spot. It is when the opposite happens and she only appears for a short while to eat that you know she is setting and taking a food break.

You have to be very sly when you track her to see where she is going, if she sees you following her she will not lead you to her nest site.

.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Your English is fine! I hope you find out if your peahen is laying!