When should I know that my hens are about to lay

Signs of getting ready to lay include a reddening of the comb and wattles, spending some time visiting the coop during the day and squatting in front of you when you approach. If you see these signs, you can be pretty sure that they will begin to lay fairly soon. At first, laying can be a bit of a hit and miss affair, until they get their plumbing sorted out, but that first egg is a great day!

CT

 

You can put a golf ball or two in the nest boxes, to show them where eggs should go. If you posted photos of them - head forward so we can see the comb, we probably could tell you if they are approaching point of lay.

 

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

X2 great advice

 

my leghorns are about 18-19 weeks and I was also looking for signs!! I saw one hanging out in the coop yesterday and kind of kept an eye on her. She looks good she was just chillin!! Hopefully this is her getting ready!!!

 

Watching for eggs is a little bit like watching water boil.

Different breeds lay at different times weeks for first eggs.

You will know when you see the combs redden. They turn a bright cherry red. After the egg is past the point where it can be fertilized the combs turn a duller red and the chicken will most likely lay the egg the next day. If you have a rooster - you might catch the rooster breeding with the pullet when the comb is that color. That is the best indicator. The combs and wattles are not the same color all day. My chickens seemed to lay eggs around 10 in the morning too. When I was new to chicken keeping I would check all day periodically but later I learned about when they laid eggs and I would go pick them out just after. Once a chicken laid her egg into my hand. She was very friendly - other chickens didn't like me hanging around making them nervous. They will lay eventually.
Caroline