How soon do you think she’ll lay?

[ForFlocksSake]

My RIR is 16-17 weeks. I know that’s early for laying. She recently started showing VERY red waddles and comb. How soon after a pullet starts getting red do you usually see the first egg? I’m getting so impatient and excited. My first flock so bear with me.

 

[TheHeartOfTheHen]

I've heard pullets will squat when they're getting ready to lay; is she squatting?

 

[ForFlocksSake]

I've heard pullets will squat when they're getting ready to lay; is she squatting?

I’m not sure? I don’t really notice differences in her behavior

 

[rosemarythyme]

Maybe it's just the photo but it doesn't look that red or plump yet.

 

[aart]

How soon after a pullet starts getting red do you usually see the first egg?

Could be a couple few weeks yet.

Check her pelvic points:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[DLA]

My RIRs strung me along for weeks after their combs and wattles got red. They finally started laying at between 24 and 26 weeks but some people I know have had them start sooner so it just depends. 16-17 weeks old sounds a little early so you may have to wait a bit longer. Hang in there!

 

[mossyoakpro]

My RIR's started laying at 22 weeks....I talked bad about their attitude but since they have started laying they have become quite pleasant and actually some of my favorites. They just do their thing, go in the coop and lay....make a little noise then go about their business. Overall a pleasant chicken since the laying started. Best of luck!!

 

[GreenJay]

I’m not sure? I don’t really notice differences in her behavior

Squatting is when the pullet/hen plants her feet, drops and crouches down for the rooster to mount them. Even without a roo, she'll start to squat for you when you reach for her if she's getting close to laying.

Watch for them "investigating" the nest boxes and be sure to put a faux egg in one or two boxes.

My Sapphire Splash started at 18 weeks, most of the other girls around 20-22 weeks. And at 27 weeks, still waiting for the Prairie Bluebell to lay her first.

This is my first flock also, that first egg seems to take forever to arrive but so exciting when it finally does!

 

[ForFlocksSake]

My RIR's started laying at 22 weeks....I talked bad about their attitude but since they have started laying they have become quite pleasant and actually some of my favorites. They just do their thing, go in the coop and lay....make a little noise then go about their business. Overall a pleasant chicken since the laying started. Best of luck!!

Interesting! I only have one RIR and she’s my friendliest of the flock!

 

[mossyoakpro]

Interesting! I only have one RIR and she’s my friendliest of the flock!

Mine were quite unpleasant for a while....the cockerel is another story. He's still unpleasant and a true 100% A#1 butthole.