POL- signs it’s close?

[Shugercube]

Ok. I’m getting anxious now lol. My oldest girls are 16 weeks exactly. When should I reasonably expect to see my first egg?

I know it varies by breed- my BR, Pepper, and CM, Mama, both hatched 4/25. Then I have a RIR, silkie, and 2 australorps that are 1-2 weeks behind them. And 2 EE that I have no idea how old they are, but I think they’re also in the 14ish week range based on their size. I have other hens but they’re definitely at least a month or two away still.

Anyway, I’m just really excited about one day (hopefully) soon waking up to find an egg! Mama and Pepper (my 2 oldest gals) both seem to be getting brighter combs/wattles, so I’m hoping that means it could be any day now. Are there any other signs to watch out for?

Pepper is the nosiest. Here she is photobombing a pic I was *trying* to take of my BCM Percival

And here’s Mama, not the greatest shot but she was feeling camera shy today

 

[InterestingChickens]

Ok. I’m getting anxious now lol. My oldest girls are 16 weeks exactly. When should I reasonably expect to see my first egg?

I know it varies by breed- my BR, Pepper, and CM, Mama, both hatched 4/25. Then I have a RIR, silkie, and 2 australorps that are 1-2 weeks behind them. And 2 EE that I have no idea how old they are, but I think they’re also in the 14ish week range based on their size. I have other hens but they’re definitely at least a month or two away still.

Anyway, I’m just really excited about one day (hopefully) soon waking up to find an egg! Mama and Pepper (my 2 oldest gals) both seem to be getting brighter combs/wattles, so I’m hoping that means it could be any day now. Are there any other signs to watch out for?

Pepper is the nosiest. Here she is photobombing a pic I was *trying* to take of my BCM Percival
View attachment 3190402

And here’s Mama, not the greatest shot but she was feeling camera shy today
View attachment 3190403

Lovely birds. This is a good article by @aart that also applies to when birds are getting close to laying. You may want to check it out if you haven't already. The first egg is always exiting! Good luck!

 

[Tonyroo]

First eggs are always small to tiny, but cute anyway. From my experience when there comb turns blood red is when they turn into a egg factory.

 

[Shugercube]

Lovely birds. This is a good article by @aart that also applies to when birds are getting close to laying. You may want to check it out if you haven't already. The first egg is always exiting! Good luck!

Thank you!! I’ll check it out. @aart has so much good stuff!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Still a bit to go, they're pink, but nowhere near as red as a layer would be.

 

[Shugercube]

Still a bit to go, they're pink, but nowhere near as red as a layer would be.

So, more like this? Or even redder? (I know this is a boy, just comparing lol)

 

[Sussex19]

So, more like this? Or even redder? (I know this is a boy, just comparing lol)

That looks about right for getting ready for the first egg.
I can find some photos of my POL pullets, if you like.

 

[rosemarythyme]

So, more like this? Or even redder? (I know this is a boy, just comparing lol)

Yes, would be closer to that. In addition the combs will also get a little larger and plumper looking when they're close/actively laying.

 

[3KillerBs]

My oldest girls are 16 weeks exactly. When should I reasonably expect to see my first egg?

Another 4-8 weeks -- unless they're production birds bred specifically for early maturity.

 

[Shugercube]

That looks about right for getting ready for the first egg.
I can find some photos of my POL pullets, if you like.

I’d never say no to more chicken pics