How will I know?

[RainbowFlower]

I have 4 Rhode Island Red/New Hampshire cross pullets, which are about 22 weeks old. The breeder told me they would start to lay any time between 20 and 24 weeks at this time of year.

Is there any indicators that they are about to lay?

They were sleeping in their nest boxes, but I closed them off and now they are sleeping on the roost (I went out last night with a torch and checked - they weren't happy to see me). I have 3 nest boxes which I have now opened again on the assumption that they will lay soon, but the hay looks like they have been lying in it, but no eggs (no poop either). They haven't got anywhere to hide their eggs as they are not good at going outside yet.

 

[emilyweck]

I don't know if there are any signs. None that I can recall, atleast. Maybe a more experienced BYCer can help. Bump!

 

[gritsar]

Do you have a rooster? If so, are they submitting to his advances? If you don't, try placing your hand on their back and pushing down lightly. They should start to squat when they are close to laying age.
Also, the combs and wattles will turn a bright red. Alot of interest in the nest boxes - besides sleeping in them - is another sign.

 

[cmom]

I agree with gritsar. My birds were sleeping in the nest boxes. I would put milk crates in the nest boxes in the evenings and take them out in the mornings for a week. It seems to have worked. I did it with my hens and with my pullets. I HATE poopy eggs.

 

[montcapu]

Quote:
good idea

 

[chickenlittle32]

I was told that when they will be ready to lay, you can see that the wattles (sp) and comb turns bright red instead of a pale pink.