They're Gonna Start Laying Soon!!!!!!!

[poseygrace]

hisdaughter, I read that about checking the vent in "The Joy of Chickens" recently. I have one 18 month old non-layer (I moved her a couple of months ago) and I want to check out her rear for signs of laying, as i suspect maybe she is hiding eggs in the yard. I'll let you know what I find back there, although I am sure Sonny will not appreciate me sharing her "business!"

 

[swmalone]

poseygrace
Today 8:29 pm
hisdaughter, I read that about checking the vent in "The Joy of Chickens" recently. I have one 18 month old non-layer (I moved her a couple of months ago) and I want to check out her rear for signs of laying, as i suspect maybe she is hiding eggs in the yard. I'll let you know what I find back there, although I am sure Sonny will not appreciate me sharing her "business!"

To me checking the vents is not one of the great joys of chickens, but that may just be my opinion. I am getting pretty anxious but I think I will just keep looking for the eggs to magically appear.​

 

[poseygrace]

Bahahaha! Definitely NOT a Joy.

 

[Moonkit]

Quote:
Check your bushes, buckets, etc.. they may try to hide them from you.

 

[Noymira]

All the signs I saw where big red combs and wattles, and lots of squatting. Eggs followed within a week!

 

[maclady]

My girls (BOs) were 20 weeks on the 6th. No eggs yet and only one with bright red comb and wattles, also no noticable squatting so far. I check for eggs 2-3 times a day. I am hoping they start laying soon.

 

[Ardizzone7]

So Exciting! I am still waiting for mine to lay. I think they have about 6 more weeks. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Rooneytune]

Quote:
yup

what do you use for decoy eggs?

 

[swmalone]

I just put a golf ball in my egg box. I haven't had any of mine lay yet, but I hope the golf ball will let them know where to go.

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
sure is.. for a hen who is not laying the vent will be closed up more and very dry
You can also check the spacing between the pubic bones.. for a hen that is actively laying you should be able to get three fingers between the bones

I use both of these to determine when a hen is done laying and ready for the stew pot.. assuming she's not moulting