When eggs are due

[BunnyHen]

We have 4 chickens that are around 5 months old and my friend the chicken expert says they will lay eggs anythime soon. Is there any behavior that will happen before they lay? I want to know cause we bought egg box and want to know when to put it in and dont want eggs on the ground.

 

[Den in Penn]

Your friend is right, they should start laying any time. Put the nest box in now. They should get the chance to become familiar with them. When the are nearing POL (Point of Lay) their combs and wattles get redder, they may squat down for the rooster (maybe you if you don't have one), and investigate possible spots to lay an egg, which is why its a good thing to have the nest boxes in before they start.

 

[DomesticDiva12]

I'd go ahead and put the nest boxes in, they could lay any time or it could be a while. I just got my first eggs this week at 23 weeks old. I have two hens that have had deep red combs/wattles for over a month now and squatting. I thought they'd lay a month ago LOL

 

[BunnyHen]

Thanks im going to put them in tomorrow. Also, my rhode island red is sitting in a hole. So is it dust bathing or finding a spot of both?

 

[Angie8eggs]

When you put the boxes in, introduce the chickens to them, put them in it so they are familiar with it, also you can try to put a fake Easter egg in there or a golf ball, anything to resemble an egg! lol About the dust bathing, are they kicking up the dirt ad spreading it on them, if so, they are bathing. Hope you get your eggs soon!