When should I expect eggs?

[Eve97]

I am new to raising chickens and I purchased 5 pullets on April 14, 2018 from TCS, and ended up with 2 Barred rock pullets and 2 Cinnamon queen pullets, one of the pullets ended up being a Dominique roo, (which I found out through pictures). I was told that they were a week old at the time, so I am wondering when should we expect eggs? From all of the articles I have read my girls should be laying now, all 4 of them have bright red combs and waddles. We kept the roo so could that be a problem as to why we haven't found any eggs yet or are they too young to be laying. I have pictures if it would help. Thank you all so much

 

[Pork Pie]

The Cockbird is not an issue. They will begin to lay when they are good and ready. Submissive squatting, when you approach them, and checking out nesting boxes are positive signs that eggs are soon on their way.

 

[Eve97]

The Cockbird is not an issue. They will begin to lay when they are good and ready. Submissive squatting, when you approach them, and checking out nesting boxes are positive signs that eggs are soon on their way.

The Cockbird is not an issue. They will begin to lay when they are good and ready. Submissive squatting, when you approach them, and checking out nesting boxes are positive signs that eggs are soon on their way.

Thank you for answering. The reason I am confused about when they will start laying is because they are showing all of the signs. They started squatting about 2 weeks ago, and we put golf balls in their nesting boxes and they are either squished down into the bedding or moved every morning when we check. Their combs and waddles have been bright red too. So I guess it's just a waiting game, I am glad to know that our roo isn't causing a delay because he is such a lovey.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Are they free range or in a run? If free ranging, you might want to check around to make sure none have started laying (and hiding eggs), otherwise, you should be getting eggs any day now!

 

[PirateGirl]

I bet you have an egg any day! I think it was about 2 weeks after squatting that my girls popped out their first eggs. Be sure to look for it places other than the nest box. New layers get frantic and pace and lay eggs randomly and by surprise all kinds of places.

 

[Eve97]

Are they free range or in a run? If free ranging, you might want to check around to make sure none have started laying (and hiding eggs), otherwise, you should be getting eggs any day now!

They are in a run, We are first time chicken owners so we went a little overboard with the size of their coop and run. We wanted them to have a comfortable home, but I am worried that we made everything too big. Since we only have 4 girls and 1 guy could the size of the coop or run be a problem?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Unless there's a ton of hiding places (like shrubbery) in the run, or a hidden spot under the coop that they can get access to, then they're not hiding them and you're just very very close to getting some.

 

[Eve97]

I bet you have an egg any day! I think it was about 2 weeks after squatting that my girls popped out their first eggs. Be sure to look for it places other than the nest box. New layers get frantic and pace and lay eggs randomly and by surprise all kinds of places.

Thank you, I have been looking everywhere inside the coop and in their run. I am hoping to find one somewhere soon. I have read that they can be teeny tiny so I have been taking my time looking.

 

[Eve97]

Unless there's a ton of hiding places (like shrubbery) in the run, or a hidden spot under the coop that they can get access to, then they're not hiding them and you're just very very close to getting some.

I really hope so! We have the bottom of their coop closed off and no shrubs or hiding places but I am worried that we made the coop too big and I have possibly overlooked one. Do you know if there are specific noises they make when laying?

 

[Killer Tomato]

I really hope so! We have the bottom of their coop closed off and no shrubs or hiding places but I am worried that we made the coop too big and I have possibly overlooked one. Do you know if there are specific noises they make when laying?

Yes! Google "Egg Song" and you'll hear it -- it's quite distinctive. Mine usually laid their first eggs within two weeks after they began "squatting" for me, so you should get some eggs any day.

Egg Song is also similar to the "Danger from the skies" cry that our lead hen makes when we have hawks swooping overhead. My boyfriend still can't tell the difference, and rushes outside to "defend his harem".