Red comb, going to lay eggs?

[Hennyhandler]

I have 6 chickens that arr around 13 weeks old. All of a sudden there wattles and comb has turned a deep red. I know that this happens when a chicken is going to start laying but i thought 13 weeks was a little early. Could it just be the heat or could there actually be some egglaying before i thought.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[RendonRoo]

They will also do that when they get excited. Yours are about laying age though depending on the breed. A few of mine started about that age.

 

[chickenbottom]

what breed are they mine have had a red comb for about a month now they are 24 weeks old and not 1 egg yet and 13 weeks is early for any kind of chicken. most chickens are ready for eggs between 5 and 6 months

 

[Sequin]

Yeah, you might have to wait a little still before the egg laying commences. One of my BO's just turned red within this past week, and as excited as I am, I am guessing we still have a bit to go before she lays her first egg. Still, I am secretly hoping it will come sooner rather than later.

 

[Mahonri]

Give them another 6 to 7 weeks and then you should start seeing little eggs!

 

[lisahaschickens]

Yep... many of mine went red weeks ago, and we just got our first eggs two days ago. I've had one chicken with a red comb and wattles plus she's been doing the egg song and generally acting like she was going to lay since about 15.5 weeks old... at 20 weeks old yesterday, she still has not laid.

My first egg came from an EE who was 19 weeks 6 days old, her second was laid the next day. I have talked to people who got them as early as 15.5 weeks, though. I would guess you have a few more weeks to wait, which can be hard! But, it's so much fun once you finally find your first egg! Good luck to you

 

[Hennyhandler]

Thanks so much. i figured it might be a little early yet i couldn't help but hope.

I can't wait. I have RIR's, BR's and an EE. What did you mean by the egg song, Lisahaschickens?

 

[Davaroo]

There are other signs to look for:

The pelvic bones spread and the vent area softens. I call it "growing pontoons." You should be able to push three fingers side by side into the yielding pelvic area when they are ready.

The skin around the head starts to bleach out, seen mostly around the eyes, ear flaps and beak. AS they really get into laying, even their legs will pale.

 

[Hennyhandler]

Thanks. Should i go ahead and open the nest boxes or wait a little longer?

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
I'd wait til they pass these other tests, if you like.
Ive never closed mine, batch after batch of chickens. They are always there, open and waiting. Eventually the birds figger it out.