How do i tell when my hens are ready to lay???

[lickenchicken]

My hens are around 15 weeks old now and i was wondering what the tell tale signs are of when they will be ready to lay? Here are a few recent pics of the ladies. Can anyone help me?










Any advice/help anyone can give me would be muchly appreciated
Thanks you.x

 

[Comeonbroodyhen]

Just wondering but what breed are they. Are they EE'S or amerecauna's ??

 

[epeloquin]

I know how you feel, you can't wait, but you have to be patient. They are no where near laying maturity. The earliest you will likely see eggs is 25 weeks and usually closer to 30. Their comb and wattles will get much larger and red. They will often do the 'squat' which is when they squat low to the ground and hold their wings out a little when someone comes near them.

Their egg production system needs to mature so the best thing is patience. The best answer anyone can give you as to when they will lay is...when they are ready to. ;-)

 

[salt and pepper]

the earliest they usually lay is at 18 week, the odd bird will lay before that. most birds start at 20 weeks or older. before they lay the comb and wattles will get larger, and bright red, they usually squat, or bend down when you come to them, this usually starts right a week or so before they lay. also, it is normal for a hen to get noisier before laying

 

[lickenchicken]

Im not entirely sure on the breed but many have told me that they are red sexlinks or golden comets.

 

[Comeonbroodyhen]

My next guess would probably of been red sexlink lol

 

[lickenchicken]

Thank you all for your reply's. Great info. And thank you for your help Im not in any hurry for eggs i jsut like to know these things and be ready for it

 

[Comeonbroodyhen]

X 2 with salt and pepper And. Epeloquin when there face gets bright red and they start to squat

 

[jesusR]

my pullets lay close to 8 months old or 9 months old for me
Hope this will help

 

[Comeonbroodyhen]

I guess it depends on what breed you have, some breeds take longer to mature such as chanteclares ( sorry for my spelling ) and some breeds lay right on 6 months or earlier such as a hybrid layer.