New Layers

[JessSoDak]

Just wondering if there are some indicating signs that a hen is going to start laying? Attitude Changes? And should I give her a "practice" egg in her nesting box?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yes - there are signs that a bird is nearing production. A pullets comb and wattles will "blossom" - they will become plumper in appearance, darker in color, take on a glossy/waxy look in place of their previously somewhat dry appearance, etc. A bird nearing production will also start showing a "submissive squat" - when approached from above with a human hand or approached by a rooster the bird will squat down to the ground, wings out from the body - this would be so the rooster could mount and mate her (the reaction to the hand is perceiving the hand as that rooster). You may also notice the bird starting to investigate the nest boxes and other areas that she could consider areas to nest in.
Placing dummy eggs is helpful not to give the bird a "practice" egg, but because it indicates to the bird that this is the place to lay eggs (the dummy egg tells her another bird has already done so, giving the nest the "seal of approval")

 

[JessSoDak]

I had to take the practice egg away, my Rhode Island Red would lay next to it and the Delaware that I am waiting on got a little protective of the fake egg. I think I got her aged at about 20 weeks; so really any time now she should start laying... Right???

 

[Blackberry18]

I had to take the practice egg away, my Rhode Island Red would lay next to it and the Delaware that I am waiting on got a little protective of the fake egg. I think I got her aged at about 20 weeks; so really any time now she should start laying... Right???

How many nestboxes do you have? I always put a few nest eggs in each nest, usually golf balls. Great breeds, by the way.

 

[JessSoDak]

Ill try more "eggs"... I have 2 boxes for 2 chickens; my other 2 Black Stars aren't ready to be in the flock yet.
I love these breeds they have some fun personalities. Thanks for the idea.