[daisy1990]

my three girls (about 30 weeks old) Maran and two cross breeds have yet to lay an egg.  Today all three have noticeable swellings to the right under their breast bone.  The largest is most definately egg shaped! Does this mean an egg is imminent (if so how long are we likely to wait) and if they all start now are they likely to stop for winter?  They are in a coop with no heat or light in a meadow enclosed by an electric fence and hedge so safe and sheltered and they free range all day

Thanks Daisy

[joyfull]

are you sure this isn't their crop? was it more swollen later on in the day?
What colour are their combs?

[daisy1990]

noticed it this morning and hasn't changed in size or shape.  The largest hens  feels egg shaped.  This is the first time we have kept hens and I have no idea what their crop should feel like so you could be right!  One of the hens has had a very red comb for weeks now, the other two have paler combs.  I will have to stop getting excited then if this doesn't indicate an egg (and buy something else for tea tomorrow)!

Why would their crop suddenly grow bigger (if that is what you think it is?)

Thanks for the help
Daisy

[joyfull]

if you take a look at this link you will see the position of the crop (it is to one side) - this crop gets bigger during the day as they eat and should go down over night.

http://www.poultryhelp.com/impactedcrop.html

the reddening of the comb is a good indicator of one of them getting to lay but you usually wouldn't be able to see the egg.

[daisy1990]

thanks joyfull that is really helpful

[Fisherman]

Their crops are usually empty first thing in a morning and then when they eat food they fill up and look a little lopsided with bulge in their crop on one side about the size of an egg! Make sure that 90% of their diet is layer pellets or layers mash after that just be patient Daisy they will lay in their own good time.

[daisy1990]

I have been very patient with my 3 hens and 6 quail.  So far they have cost me over a thousand pounds and have had only two quail eggs!!

Glad they are ok though we do love them lots!