More Subtle Egglaying Signs

[athomas718]

Hi!
My chickens are all 18 weeks this weekend. Three of the pullets are very red in the face and their wattles are really dangling so I was wondering if I should expect an egg any day now from either of them. I have 12 total, but these three are the ones that have the reddest faces and largest wattles.

Here are some pictures. I also believe I've noticed one of the BR squatting randomly in areas. They have nests in their coop so I hope they don't get confused. I put a ceramic egg in there for them to get the point.



Lucy. She's loud and boisterous. Always has to have something to say.



Lola. Potentially one of the BR that are squatting.



Black Betty. Also could be the squatter. I can't tell the BRs apart from far away. lol

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They do look ready, I would expect eggs at any time.

 

[LRH97]

They do look ready, I would expect eggs at any time.

x2. My newest White Orpingtons are at this stage too. I'm patiently waiting. It's like their "egg gun" is cocked and loaded, but we're waiting for them to open fire. The Whiting's True Blues that are in the Orp's group have already started laying. So I'd say you're in for eggs soon. You've got some pretty young ladies there too!

 

[chickens really]

I see your in a hurry for eggs...The reality is, they will lay eggs when ready...No one can tell you when they will lay....The Ladies know when your getting eggs,,,
Take a breath, and wait....we all wait....

Cheers

 

[aart]

They sure do look 'reddy'...hahaha!

18 weeks is at the early end of the most common range for onset of lay....18-26 weeks.

It looks like you free range, so confining them to coop and run might be in your best interest as they approach point of lay.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for 3-4 days (or longer) can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop 24/7 for a few days to a week, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.



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!

Vent:
Dry, tight, and smaller - usually not laying.
Moist, wide, and larger - usually laying

Pelvic Points 2 bony points(pelvic bones) on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.