How CAN you tell when a hen is LAYING?

[Gallo del Cielo]

What a funny series of posts!

 

[zazouse]

Quote:
Lip stick

Yeah, yeah. I didn't say I recommended USING the lipstick after using it to mark the vent....

I use chicken poo chap stick i purchased at tractor supply

 

[TheReidHomestead]

You can mention the order of bleaching. If the hen is bleached out, she's definently laying.

Here's a great link with more info: http://www.apa-abayouthprogramsite.org/Edu_Material/JUDGING%20A%20GOOD%20LAYER.pdf

Have fun at fair! My kids start fair here on Thursday.

 

[gallinamama]

Quote:
Lip stick

Yeah, yeah. I didn't say I recommended USING the lipstick after using it to mark the vent....

Well they did say yesterday that red lipstick comes from red beetles... other things in makeup ... whale vomit??? now how in the world do they harvest that!!

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Quote:
Yup, that was on my list, too. Sadly, that'll be a little difficult with a Silkie, lol. But in the general scheme of things, I should add that in. You guys have fun, too!

 

[TyrannosaurusChix]

In addition to the advice given here( especially about the bleaching) I have some additional information.

Bleaching sequence Eggs laid Ave. # of weeks
1 vent 0-10 1-2
2 eye ring 8-12 2-2 1/2
3earlobe 10-15 2 1/2-3
4 beak 25-35 5-8
5bottoms of feet 50-60 8
6 front of shank 90-100 10
7 hock 120-140 16-24


pigment is bleached from the skin in this sequence and is restored in the reverse order.

The best indicators of long term production are the shanks , cinve they bleach last. Color loss starts at the bottom of the feet, moved to the front of the shanks and gradually works upward to the hocks.