how to tell which hens are laying

[RhondaLynn]

I have 15 young hens, some are laying and some are not. I was wondering if there was a physical way to tell who was actually laying and who was not? No real reason I have to know other than just being nosey!
Rhonda

 

[Kevin565]

I don't have chickens but we have been discussing this in the duck section:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/717294/duck-safe-coloring-for-vent

It may give you a few ideas for determining who's laying.

 

[Fjhunter66]

In my experience the hens changed personality a bit and started being a bit more confident and bossy, I don't know if anyone else has had this with their hens? Also their wattles start to be more red and pronounced and they squat when I go to stroke them. Other than that I'm not too sure, I'm a newbie when it comes to chicken keeping!

 

[RhondaLynn]

Thanks all. I read about ducks, but wonder how much would apply to chickens.. I am still wondering if anyone can chime in!
Rhonda

 

[Den in Penn]

Without physically handling them the vent should be larger and moister then non layers. If you pick them up the spread between the pubic bones will be larger.