How CAN you tell when a hen is LAYING?

Simple question...and I know the jist of the answer, but I need to know the standard reply I give if the poultry judge asks at our fair next week. Last year I wasn't able to give a well formed answer. I know it has something to do with sticking 2 or 3 fingers in the vent, and if they all fit then the hen is laying, and if not, the hen is not. That might even be it. But I'm not sure. Can someone help?

And also, I know to look for redness in the face, etc. It wasn't good enough for the judge last year, though.

 

I never stick my fingers in the vent. Couldn't bring myself to do that...they wouldn't thank me later, either. We have some people around here who have, although stacked up against this answer, I now don't know why. I always assumed it was to check if the hen is laying. But this way seems alot nicer. Thank you, this is one for the study sheet.

 

Quote:NY State Fair, 4H division. I'm sure this'll be falling into the 'Poultry quiz' section for Showmanship, if it comes up at all.



And YES, fingers in the vent! Shocked me, too. Bare in mind that I've never done it and if I really had to bring this up in any case (I don't see why, though) it'd probably be all verbal. I think I'd have a hard time stomaching that.