Is there a way to tell

[shodack]

Who is laying? First eggs have occurred over the last few days. I have four hens, 19-20 weeks old. Yesterday we witnessed one go into the coop and lay, but I'm wondering if, without standing around watching, there's a way to know who is laying... seems like too much to ask.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Who is laying? First eggs have occurred over the last few days. I have four hens, 19-20 weeks old. Yesterday we witnessed one go into the coop and lay, but I'm wondering if, without standing around watching, there's a way to know who is laying... seems like too much to ask.

There are several things you can use to assess whether a bird is in production or not.
What is the current status of the comb/wattle color and texture of all of your birds of potential laying age? Those which have recently become very red and are now plump and waxy looking are those who have become ready to lay - those that are still dryer in appearance and paler are not ready.
Which of your birds are giving a "submissive squat" when you approach them? This is the posture they would assume to allow a rooster to mount and mate them if you are not sure what I'm talking about.
You can look at the vents of each bird (if you aren't the squeamish type about that sort of thing) - a plump, moist vent is in production, a dry, shrively looking vent is not.
You can check the spread of the pubic bones of each bird - those that are wise are in production, a bird not in production will have very narrow spacing.

 

[aart]

Signs of onset of lay---I've found the pelvic points to be the most accurate.

Squatting:
If you touch their back they will hunker down on the ground, then shake their tail feathers when they get back up.
This shows they are sexually mature and egg laying is close at hand.

Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.
Tho I have found that the combs and wattles can look full and red one minute then pale back out the next due to exertion or excitement, can drive ya nuts when waiting for a pullet to lay!

2 bony points on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.

 

[shodack]

Funny, my littlest girl is the earliest to lay! She is the prettiest though, fluffy and very ladylike, if that makes sense. First to have the look of a full grown chicken...