How will I know when my hen will lay?

[murgigirl]

Are there common signs chickens show when they are about to lay for the first time? Anything I should be doing to help? I am putting out extra feed, water and calcium.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

Are there common signs chickens show when they are about to lay for the first time? Anything I should be doing to help? I am putting out extra feed, water and calcium.

Her waddles and comb will get bright red. Squatting is a major sign as well. If you place your hand on her back from behind and she stops in her tracks, squats down and pulls her wings away from her body a bit then she will likely lay within a day or two. However, not all pullets do this. I have a few who have never squatted and others who will block the door to the run squatting as soon as i get near. Another sign I’ve noticed is them exploring the nesting boxes. Going in and out of the coop, kicking around in the box, hanging out for a min, etc.

There’s nothing you can do to help them lay their first egg. It’ll come when it comes. Offering oyster shells is the right move and they’ll eat what they need when they need it.

 

[murgigirl]

Her waddles and comb will get bright red. Squatting is a major sign as well. If you place your hand on her back from behind and she stops in her tracks, squats down and pulls her wings away from her body a bit then she will likely lay within a day or two. However, not all pullets do this. I have a few who have never squatted and others who will block the door to the run squatting as soon as i get near. Another sign I’ve noticed is them exploring the nesting boxes. Going in and out of the coop, kicking around in the box, hanging out for a min, etc.

There’s nothing you can do to help them lay their first egg. It’ll come when it comes. Offering oyster shells is the right move and they’ll eat what they need when they need it.

Thank you

 

[aart]

Another sign I’ve noticed is them exploring the nesting boxes. Going in and out of the coop, kicking around in the box, hanging out for a min, etc.

This is the surest sign that you'll see eggs within a couple days.
They also become quite vocal at this time.