When will they lay?

[MykeMc]

I have a mixed flock of chickens I bought 5 1/2 months ago. When should I start expecting eggs? I put straw in the nesting boxes about a month ago. The last couple days I have seen one chicken sitting on the nest, but the rest just scatter the straw everywhere. I thought they started laying at 4-5 months depending on breed.
Thanks
Myke

 

[10 point]

it should be fairly soon. to test you should look at there combs they will get red right before they lay. also they will start squatting when you go to pet them.

hope it happens soon

 

[Nicole01]

I imagine you will be getting your first egg in the next day or two with the one on the nest. My 23 week old RIR laid her egg after sitting on the nest for 2 full days. My 16 week old d'uccle is sitting on the nest all morning, so I'm assuming she is next.

 

[train2110]

I swear the clock starts running backwards when you are waiting for that first egg!

I know it does not help to hear at all, but it will happen when it happens.

Do you have a fake egg or golf ball in the nesting boxes? It will let the hens know where to lay.

 

[MykeMc]

No on the fake egg or golf ball, I will try to get something today. I will look at the combs, but my chickens don't let me pet them, do I need to work on that? When I enter the hen pen, they run around squawking.

 

[10 point]

Quote:
mine used to run away but when you make a big commotion and then go like your going to grab them they should squat down when they are ready to lay.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

It's good to be able to pick up your hens just to check them over periodically, but, more on topic, not all hens will squat for you. My EEs never squat. My BO squats consistently and my BR kind of half heartedly once in a while.