SIGNS OF FUTURE EGG LAYING?

[mpoland33]

Hey everyone,
I have 9 girls that are all almost 22 weeks..no eggs yet.

BUTTTT I was wondering what are the signs you see of possible upcoming layers?

I have 3 that their wattles are red and 3 that squat when you pet them (I've heard both of these are telling).

They havent seemed interested in the nest box BUT directly next to it in the corner one of the red wattle hens has dug a nest out and will sit in it for about 30 minutes or so (I put a trail camera because I was nosy and wanted to know which was building it, I have another hen laying in it yesterday for a couple minutes and messed it up on the way out.

Anything else I should look for?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Talking, some just start loudly talking about a week or so before they start laying. They also can get nosey and pushy too.

 

[mpoland33]

funny, I was just telling my wife that 2 of them were exceptionally loud today.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Keep an eye out for those eggs.

 

[BYCforlife]

Definitely the loud squawking is the first sign. My chickens start to squat when they're only 14 weeks old, so that's not really an accurate sign.

Also, you'll see activity in the nesting boxes, they might start making a little nest in one. Often the squawking is them fighting over a nesting box, as they all seem to want the same one.

 

[aart]

They havent seemed interested in the nest box

Put some fake eggs in there...and make sure it's easy to get up to and down from the nests.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[TheAmundsons]

I also have some I’m waiting to start laying! I’ve noticed some of their combs are getting redder, but how red is red when it comes to laying? This is our first flock, so we’re still learning!

 

[aart]

I also have some I’m waiting to start laying! I’ve noticed some of their combs are getting redder, but how red is red when it comes to laying? This is our first flock, so we’re still learning!

You'll know it when you see it....OTOH I've had layers whose combs weren't incredibly plump and red and shiny.

 

[Flockandfowl46]

Watch for those eggs any time now!