Should I ready the coop for laying?

[JNorth]

I was just reading through some older posts and I saw so many of them mention waiting for the first eggs where the chickens were around 16-18 weeks. Mine are a few days over 15 weeks and I haven't even been entertaining the idea of eggs until at least July (so they would be 18 - 19 weeks). We have 8 red-sex links. We don't even have bedding in the nesting boxes yet, just sand, since I didn't want them to get the idea that it was just for sleeping. They all sleep on their roost now, so should I consider readying the nesting boxes or do I still have time?

Just out of curiosity is there a way to tell when they are nearing their time to lay?

 

[rscott25]

I have the same question; I hope someone replies to your post!!!

 

[citychickx6]

I would ready the nests myself.
But to tell if the hens are nearing time to lay there are a few things you can watch for.
1. Checking out the nestboxes, even sitting in them for a bit.
2. The tell tell egg squat. When you walk up to the hen she will sometimes squat with her wings spread out slightly.
3. Reddening of the comb and wattles. The redder they get the closer they are.

 

[JNorth]

They are just starting to get some real red going on their faces, in the last week or so we've noticed some more color coming. I haven't noticed much of the other two, that being said their next boxes are currently empty.

Looks like we will be readying the nests. Thanks!