Need better understanding of this way to tell if hen is laying.

[britesidefarm]

Do they free range? Young layers need to be trained to lay in the nesting boxes. If they free range, they will lay their eggs everywhere outside.

We’ve had them in they’re coop since they started showing any signs. We have one Cochin with them that’s about 4 years old and has been laying off and on (broody the other half) and her chick she hatched before they even started turning red.

 

[CluckerFamily]

We’ve had them in they’re coop since they started showing any signs. We have one Cochin with them that’s about 4 years old and has been laying off and on (broody the other half) and her chick she hatched before they even started turning red.

Well those stubborn ladies!!! This may seem crazy but my flock all know their names and they respond to their names, even when they are walking away and I call one back, it will come. When the ladies first started laying eggs one lady laid the egg on the ground. I gathered all the pullets and simply lectured to them that "a good mama hen doesn't lay eggs on the ground, they could be stepped on or cracked and that would be sad, you need to lay each egg in the nesting box" (all the pullets were looking at me except one! That was the culprit and I never had an issue again). What I would do is pull up a stump and have a conversation with them. It may help them but it will definitely help you feel better.

 

[Duckee]

As mentioned earlier by another, your hand size does matter. I use the pelvic spread more as a "change" indicator. I check all the pullets at about 15-17 weeks. I note each ones spread number. Then as they get closer to lay i begin checking regulary. If done properly, the pullet wont be phased at all.
I had a couple girls measure an easy 2 at 17 weeks, and at almost 26 weeks they still havent laid yet. Also, i had a pullet go from a spread of 1 to 4 after her first lay, because her first egg was a HUGE double yolker.
So when i find a new egg, i do a quick spread check on the non layers and identify immediately who has graduated.
Happy egg hunting

 

[aart]

Hah, I just might! Unfortunately they have been squatting for about 5-6 weeks now and combs are completely red.

Squatting is not always sexual maturity, can be plain old submission to a superior.

 

[britesidefarm]

Here’s a photo of the four that are old enough to lay: