How will I know when my hens are ready to lay?

[ginbart]

What do they do different? How do they act? I had one that's 16 weeks today and the other day she was walking around only standing half way up. She looked so funny but no eggs.

Thanks.

 

[shmooborp]

all i notived is they cluck more and the do the crouch when u go to pic them up

 

[KsTornado11]

Their combs will get redder,is a major sign. Good luck!

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
They will also get looser around the bottom as their pelvic bones spread.
But the surest sign is when they lay an egg.

 

[milleryardchx]

Quote:
They will also get looser around the bottom as their pelvic bones spread.
But the surest sign is when they lay an egg.

Really?! is that all? My americauna is 5 months old and her little bitty comb is red but has for sure not given me the sure sign of an egg in the nest box yet!

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
They will also get looser around the bottom as their pelvic bones spread.
But the surest sign is when they lay an egg.

Really?! is that all? My americauna is 5 months old and her little bitty comb is red but has for sure not given me the sure sign of an egg in the nest box yet!

It may surprise you to know that 6 months is considered fairly normal. We tend to hear about the early layers cause they seem to make better news.
Hang in there, it aint long. Her abdomen will also start to soften and enlarge a bit. But right now start feeling between her pelvic bones with your hand. If you can fit 2-3 fingers between them, she aint far off.

 

[ginbart]

Quote:
I HAVE TO DO WHAT

 

[Wynette]

Just be patient. She shouldn't be put on layer feed until at least 18 weeks...some start early, typically, though, they start around 6 months, as Davaroo indicated. I have two that didn't start until well after 8 months - BUT, they both lay XL - Jumbo eggs regularly, so that was my gift for being patient, I guess!

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
I HAVE TO DO WHAT

Relax. Hold her in the correct way with your left hand under her keel, her head in the crook of your arm, her legs to either side. Then just put 2-3 fingers together and lay them against her bottom, at the vent. Push gently. If the area is loose and you can feel the bones flex, then she is soon to lay. If it is hard and unyielding, then not. While you're at it, probe her abdomen. It, too, should be soft and pliable.
These are living chickens, not puffy-foo-foo toys. To do well by them, you owe it to them and yourself to get to know ALL parts of them. You gotta feel your way along on this one.

 

[ginbart]

Ok, I will do it when DH gets home. This way he can see what I need to do and he can help check the other ones. I only have 3 that are 16 weeks so maybe it will be a while. And the rest are only 13 weeks. I thought 21 days was long to have them hatch. 6 months is forever.

Davaroo, I'm going to print out what you told me so I can do it. Thank you and thanks everyone for your help.