[newhen]

Desperately waiting for eggs. 

I am on day 3, my hens seem to of settled in nicely.

 I have one young hen who isn't yet ready to lay who seems to like pooping in the nesting box.. Do you think that will put my hens off?  I scoop it out daily!

So please vote so I can get a rough idea of how long I need to wait..
Many thanks. newhen.

[SMD66]

It very much depends on the breed and their age when you buy them.  Best indication is to look at the comb.  It gradually turns from pink to red, once red they are usually laying.
Another indicator is if they 'squat' when you reach down to them.  This is thier reaction to a Cockerel and is also a sure sign that they are ready to lay. 

[compostqueen]

they lay from about 22 weeks. My largest girl waited for 30 weeks 

[Roughlee Handled]

Mine laid from 19 weeks and I agree with SMD66.

[Aunt Sally]

I guess you have an Eglu 

The gingernut will probably lay sooner that the miss pepper pot (in my experience)

but at roundabout 24 weeks.  How old were they when you recieved them ?

Picture please

[newhen]

hi, no not an eglu! it's a large run with a chicken coop.
I think my gnuts are about 22 weeks.. and miss pepperpot is younger.

The comb looks pink to me! Oh well, I'll let you know when I get eggs.  I have put a couple of piccy's up but will take more when they are in the extentions run my hubby is making for them.
Thanks for the replies.

[Aunt Sally]

Oh I see.  That's the varieties Omlet sells as their standards.

Photo's are the law here