Ready to lay or not?

[Momma2bellas]

I have a quick question but no question is quick. I have 3 silkies that are almost 16 weeks old. I have noticed in the last couple of days that one is starting to make a nest in the straw, kinda of making a hole for her to sit in. Is she getting ready to lay? I did t think they would lay till at least 18-20 weeks old. Guess I better get the box in there.

 

[cbookout]

Here is a helpful way to see if they are ready. I found this in Storey's guide to raising chickens. It says if the vent is oval versus small and circular that is a sign they are ready, plus check the width of the pelvic bones. See attached drawing from Storey's.