Week 18!

[kyleigh]

I noticed my hens making weird noises lately, and haven't thought much of it. I've been thinking I won't get eggs from them for another few months, but when I looked at the calendar it turns out they are 18 weeks old already! I don't feel like they are as big as others chickens at 18 weeks. Three are Easter eggers and one is a Cucko maran. I'm curious what age these usually start laying, and what the signs are.
What do you put in your nesting box? I've heard of putting herbs, hay, fake eggs, just wanted hear what everyone does.

 

[kyleigh]

 

[kyleigh]

 

[chickens really]

Combs and wattles will turn red...Your pullets will start squatting if touched on the back....They will investigate the nest boxes for a few days before and start singing the egg song...
I use shavings and straw in my nest boxes..
18 weeks is young...Not that they wont lay eggs at that age...I had pullets last year that laid at 16 weeks...

Just watch for the changes I mentioned...

 

[Grandmadee]

Combs and wattles will turn red...Your pullets will start squatting if touched on the back....They will investigate the nest boxes for a few days before and start singing the egg song...
I use shavings and straw in my nest boxes..
18 weeks is young...Not that they wont lay eggs at that age...I had pullets last year that laid at 16 weeks...

Just watch for the changes I mentioned...

 

[Grandmadee]

One of mine just started laying she does squat when touched on the back but doesn't sing any songs just one little squawk and that's all,still waiting for the other two.

 

[kyleigh]

I have seen one of my EE squating when I pet her, but she doesn't do that weird wing spread thing while spreading.

 

[chickens really]

I have seen one of my EE squating when I pet her, but she doesn't do that weird wing spread thing while spreading.

Have no worries...You will be getting eggs soon...Congrats