New Mamma

[Gamecock]

What are the signs when a young hen is ready to lay and hatch eggs? How many will she lay?

 

[Camelot Farms]

Mine sat down and wouldnt get up!

She just sat there and sat there and sat there until I finally gave in and stuck some eggs under her. By then, she had donated one of her own and is quite happy now!

 

[Gamecock]

I,ve seen hens with 6 or 8 biddies following behind. Do they lay one egg after another until she has a bunch?

 

[feathersnuggles]

Some signs:
Bright red comb & wattles.
Squatting when you reach for her.
Interest in the nest - sitting in it or pecking at the nest material and fake egg (golf ball) you have put there.
Starts eating lots more crushed oyster shell.
You can easily place 3 fingers between her pelvic bones that surround her vent -- 3 fingers for large breeds, 2 fingers for small breeds.

How many eggs? That depends on the breed. Some lay nearly an egg per day. Others aren't as prolific.

ETA: oops, you meant what are the signs of a broody hen? Type in 'broody' in BYC search and you'll get a bunch of posts about that.