Signs that pullet will lay soon

[Danielle27]

I have three 2 1/2 month old pullets, one a dominique, one Barred rock, and one silkie. We recently added 2, three month old red sex links. The red sex links are twice the size of the barred rock and dominique. Could it be that they are older than 3 months? If so, what are the signs that they will soon lay? I can't wait!

On a side note, the dominique and the Barred rock are not accepting the new sex links. They don't peck them, but they chaise them around and wont let them eat or drink. It's kind of funny to see theses two tiny pullets chasing around these big chickens though. The red sex links start screaming every time one comes near. I tried taking the barred rock and dominique out and left the silkie with them(hoping they would make friends), but they attacked the silkie. Thats when I put her "protectors" back in. They wouldn't even think about it when my BR and Dom are around. Is there anything I can do to ease this transition? Will they eventually become friends?

 

[chefchick]

My red sex link hens started laying at 18 weeks, and my RIR's a few weeks after that. Before they atarted laying they became more vocal squawking over every little thing, and would squat when I pet them.

As for the newbies in with the bigger girls, maybe you should have waited a bit before putting them in the same pen. what we did when we mixed our younger pullets with the laying hens is we put a temporary divider in thier coop and run made of chicken wire- so they could see each other but not get to each other. We left them like that for a couple of weeks. they were very close in size by that time. There was some pecking and chasing whe nthey were finally allowed to be in the same space, but it didn't last long. They need to figure out who is going to be in charge. I would add another waterer and feeder or two and space them out to give the newbies a chance to eat and drink.

 

[LoweBow]

My RSL's started laying about 19 weeks or so. Their combs started to change color to a deep red and they would "squat" when I stepped over them or would reach down at them. I read that those were two tell-tail signs they were about ready...ans sure enough......

 

[chefchick]

oops! I didn't mention the combs in my post! sorry! I hope they lay soon for you. nothing beats finding that first egg. I carried mine around all day and showed everyone! Of course they know I am a crazy chicken lady

 

[Danielle27]

Thank you for your help! lol I can totally see myself carrying the first egg around all day! I'm so excited!

The comb of one red sex link has gotten redder just in the last week I've had her. They aren't bright red yet. They definitely are noisier than my younger pullets though..lol BTW, I just went out to check on them and found all 5 of them on the lower level of the coop. Usually the newbies are banished to the top level. I take it this is good news. Next time I will keep them separated for a while before adding the newbies.

Here are some pictures of my beauties.

This is the one that's getting a red comb and larger waffles.

This girl is a little behind the other one.

 

[chefchick]

Cute! I hope your nest boxes are redy... It wont be much longer. Some people say to put a fake egg in the nes t so they know where to lay... mine kicked the fake eggs out onto the floor, and my ahem...dummy... dh thought we had an easter egger because the (fake ceramic) egg was purple and yellow... I love that man

 

[Danielle27]

lol That is hilarious!

The nest boxes are ready. I found them laying in one the other day. I'll try the fake egg thing too. Thank you so much!