what are signs of getting ready to lay?

[ladywithchickens18]

what are different signs that I should start to notice. Rhode island reds, 26 weeks now and haven't seen an egg yet.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Squatting when you go to pet them, the egg song, bright red wattles and comb.

 

[Ribh]

Squatting. Bight red wattles & combs. They may be investigating the nesting boxes.

 

[Ms Clucky]

Put a wooden egg in the nests.

 

[RodNTN]

Just give them a bit of time, with spring coming you'll probably be up to your ears in eggs pretty soon!

 

[aart]

Average onset of lay for most breeds is 18-28 weeks.
Diet and time of year also have an influence.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/