[foggle007]

Do hens give anyindication as to when they might lay? Our hens are all mixed ages but we have a couple that are anywhere between 16 - 22 weeks possibly slightly older. I appreciate all hens lay at different times but are there any signs they may give. Our Cock is constantly "jumping" on and off them now and has been doing this for about 3 weeks. Is this a sign they may be maturing?

[Foxy]

Just before coming into lay their combs and faces redden. Hybrids come into lay around 18weeks, pure breeds tend to be a little later, obviously your cockrel doesn't believe in ettiquette!

[ness]

Dont know whether this is a general rule or just my hens but they seem to become more voicey when the come into lay.  Lots of squawking and trotting backwards and forwards to the nest box.  :roll:

[foggle007]

thanks Ness thats really helpful as one of them has been doing that lots over the last few days!

[Miss Bean]

 I've been a-wondering the same! I have 18-week-old pullets and was thinking that I'd have to go and have a serious chat with them about why they have a nest box in the house!  

[hookfarmchickens]

Their combs go bright red when they are laying and you can also tell from the two bones either side of their vent. They stick out like two knitting needles either side, just below the vent. If they are close together she is still too young, but if you can get two fingers between them then those eggs are on their way!
Alison