Is there anything I can do to help facilitate laying?

[CrazyChickGirl]

My oldest girls (3 barred rocks) are about 16 weeks now. Is there anything I can do to make sure they are in optimal health to start laying when they are ready? Is there anything that is known to cause a delay? We also have a RIR, BO, and Brown Leghorn that are about 15 weeks. A few of these girls are starting to get BIG RED combs and wattles. That's supposed to be a sign, right?

 

[iwiw60]

Make sure you are feeding them layer feed and offering oyster shell to them.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Thanks. I thought that you weren't to switch to layer feed till they actually start laying though...

 

[Messipaw]

It should be really soon.