How to know when hens are ready.

[Ryan James]

is there a sign to tell when hens are getting ready to lay eggs? I don't want to open the laying boxes too early.

 

[azygous]

Signs: Red combs and wattles. When you approach a pullet from the rear, she squats. But one of the most definitive is the width of the pelvic points.

Feel on either side of the vent on your pullet for the two protruding "knobs". If you can fit two finger between them, she's very, very close to that first egg.

 

[lazy gardener]

She may also start singing the egg song before the first egg. If you have a roo, he may start breeding her. If no roo, she may squat if you pass your hand above her back, or if you lean over her. Open the boxes up by 16 weeks, and get them loaded up with bedding. The pullets like to "play house" in the boxes before the first egg appears. You may still have to block them off at night if sleeping in boxes is still an issue.