When will they lay?

[queenie_29]

Our Rhodie squatted several times today - any idea roughly how long until she will start laying?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Our Rhodie squatted several times today - any idea roughly how long until she will start laying?

Provided it's not submissive squatting and instead "mate me" squatting, laying usually starts 10-14 days after onset of squatting.

 

[queenie_29]

Provided it's not submissive squatting and instead "mate me" squatting, laying usually starts 10-14 days after onset of squatting.

exciting! how can I tell the difference between the squats?

 

[rosemarythyme]

exciting! how can I tell the difference between the squats?

I usually look at things like the bird's age, comb development, etc. - obviously if a very young bird squats it's just a sign of submission. As long as the pullet is roughly in the right age bracket for laying onset, has a noticeably redder comb/wattles, and/or has been messing around in the nest box, I figure they're ready to lay 10-14 days after they begin squatting, as I actively test for that reaction as the birds mature.

 

[queenie_29]

coolio. Thanks for your help - she is almost 23 weeks now, and comb and wattles are HUGE and very red, so fingers crossed!

 

[FocusonJesus]

Does anyone know of some kind of chart or article showing different breeds of chickens and when they lay?

 

[queenie_29]

no idea, sorry. If anyone does have one of those, that would be really helpful!

 

[aart]

Does anyone know of some kind of chart or article showing different breeds of chickens and when they lay?

There's more than a few of them out there.....but not necessarily accurate as every bird is different and diet and time of year can have an influence.