[looe-looe-belle]

is it true that when a hen is ready to lay her comb will be a bright red colour and also be large and waxy looking ? My six new lohmann hens combs arent that large but are slowly changing from a pink to a red they are 18 wks old and the farmer told me they would lay in 3 weeks when they are 21 weeks old -is this correct ?

[alancane]

The comb becoming more red is a sign, also the skin around their faces starts to go red as if they are blushing. Crouching when you go to touch them is another sign.

They sound like they are at point of lay, but you could still be waiting. They might lay tomorrow, or in six weeks time. One morning you will wake up and there will be a nice surprise in your nest box.

[looe-looe-belle]

well i cant see their faces blushing yet so maybe its a long time til they lay? I must say they are extremely friendly hens though and always come to me when i in out there ! I really cant wait to in out there to find the first egg laid! How very exciting!

[alancane]

Indeed, the first egg is always exciting!!!!
Theyw ill lay eventually. NormandyMary waited quite a while for hers when they were at point of lay. But you will get some sometime!!!

[orchardlady]

I've been keeping hens for over 15 years now and I still leave the best job till last ..collecting the eggs...they are always like little gifts just waiting for me and come in so many different shapes, shades and textures. Wonderful.