How long??

As long as she wants it to be!  Theres no time set but it should be soon!

The wait for eggs from new hens is awful isnt it? Last year, they were running a book on this forum, trying to guess the day I would get my first egg. I felt terrible having to report a nil return every day. Once they did start though, boy was it worth it!
Hope you dont have to wait too long. Dont forget to have a look around the house and the run as it seems to take newbies time to learn where to lay them!

Well still no eggs apart from this morning a small soft creamy coloured one.  I was a little disappointed it wasn't brown  Hopefully that may change.  Fingers crossed.
Thanks for everyones support.

Sorry to sound thick but what does it mean 'bobbing ' down when they are getting near to laying 

My pullets crouch down low to the ground, hold their wings out ffrom their bodies a little way, and kind of put their heads down, as if they are bracing themselves.  Which they are of course - they are getting ready for a cockerel to jump on top of them.

When they are in this posture it is really easy to come up behind them and pick them up.  It's not what they are expecting so it gives you the element of surprise.

Or you could just scruffle the feathers on her back and sides, then watch her shake herself indignantly and stalk away.

One of my Barnevelders really doesn't like being handled, so she crouches down and tries to run away at the same time.  Very funny to watch.

Evie2. i like that explanation
My littlest one started doing that yesterday but she only about 8 weeks old. Or, am I mistaken on her age??? Or is she a hussy
Anndee