So close!

[rkapfen]

So I have five chickens who are 18 weeks old now. When should I start expecting them to lay and are there any behaviors I should look out for that will tell me they're close? I still have them on starter feed, should I switch to layer feed now or wait until I get my first egg? I have been putting each one by the nesting boxes that have some golf balls in them to hopefully show them what to do. Thanks in advance! I am brand new to this lol

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What breeds? That can dictate start dates. I would keep them on a grower but put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Switching to a lower protein layer too soon will often delay the start of lay. I personally don't feed layer. I prefer a grower or all flock ration because of the higher protein.

Look for the combs and wattles to get bright red, for you hens to start to squat for you if you don't have a rooster, that generally will start up to a month before. Pullets will often mess around in the nestboxes a bit before starting so look for disturbances in them, and many will become extremely friendly and very vocal the week they start.

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

Look for bright red combs and wattles and for squatting when a male approaches (if you have one) or when you put your hand one her back.
Could still be a couple of weeks after you see these changes.
One of mine just started laying yesterday and was scratching around with the others then suddenly they were all playing with an egg.
Today, I realized she doesn't like the nest boxes so I gave her and open plastic tub with shavings and a ceramic egg in it.
She layed her second egg there.

 

[rkapfen]

What breeds? That can dictate start dates. I would keep them on a grower but put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Switching to a lower protein layer too soon will often delay the start of lay. I personally don't feed layer. I prefer a grower or all flock ration because of the higher protein.

Look for the combs and wattles to get bright red, for you hens to start to squat for you if you don't have a rooster, that generally will start up to a month before. Pullets will often mess around in the nestboxes a bit before starting so look for disturbances in them, and many will become extremely friendly and very vocal the week they start.

I have a brahma, cochin, easter eggers, and sussex. I do not have a rooster either. I will put out some oyster shell tomorrow for them! For as long as I can remember they do that squat when you go to pick them up, maybe they're close!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have a brahma, cochin, easter eggers, and sussex. I do not have a rooster either. I will put out some oyster shell tomorrow for them! For as long as I can remember they do that squat when you go to pick them up, maybe they're close!

Brahma and cochins can be late starters at 5-7 months, and EE and Sussex start around 4-7 months. That's only generalizations. Waiting on those eggs can seem like it's forever.