Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: NATHAN on April 14, 2007, 04:21

Title: How can you tell when a chicken is ready to lay eggs
Post by: NATHAN on April 14, 2007, 04:21

One of the hens i recently brought seems much younger than the other two. Quite streamlined not fat and fluffy like the others. She also has a very small comb - does this relate to readiness to lay?? :?

Title: How can you tell when a chicken is ready to lay eggs
Post by: Aunt Sally on April 14, 2007, 18:12

When a hen is ready to lay her comb will be well developed and very  red.  The hen will also squat when you approach her.  (Thinks you're the cockerel)  :lol:  Aged about 16 - 24 weeks old

Title: How can you tell when a chicken is ready to lay eggs
Post by: kizza on April 14, 2007, 21:07

Not all hens have brightly coloured combs when they begin laying, normaly their combs are small and the more eggs laid the redder and larger the comb becomes.

Title: How can you tell when a chicken is ready to lay eggs
Post by: Aunt Sally on April 14, 2007, 21:16

That's interesting.  I haven't noticed that with mine.  I'll have to look back through their photos.

Title: How can you tell when a chicken is ready to lay eggs
Post by: NATHAN on April 15, 2007, 02:00

ooooo yuk. I though she was squatting down because she wanted stroking.

Title: How can you tell when a chicken is ready to lay eggs
Post by: Oliveview on April 19, 2007, 10:54

Checked my point of lay hens yesterday and 2 have red combs so hopefully eggs will follow on day! :D Can´t say I´ve noticed them squatting down though :(
Pamela