The Poultry Keeper

alliet · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 18 Location: Brighton

Ok so I know some of the signs but what are all the signs that my hen is going to lay, and when will she from the time they arise? Her comb has darkened, she is heavier than others and she squats when you touch her back. I think she is oldest. She is 18 weeks and 5 days old hybrid.

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 880 Location: Sussex

You will know when you get an egg Smile

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 1845 Location: norfolk

Any time now I should say - if she is squatting that's the real telltale.

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7165 Location: isle of lewis

if you can pick her up put your finger tips between the pin bones at the back just under the vent
one finger tip tends to mean not near ,2 means nearly there and three tends to mean laying or just about to ,although it can be a bit different depending on the size of the hen
the standing for the cockerel is a good sign as well Very Happy

alliet · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 18 Location: Brighton

Ok thanks. I really want to make sure I'm talking about the right kind of squatting, cant figure out how to put photos on here. Its more like she leans forward and pushes her wings up, like when you stick your shoulder blades out. Do chickens even have shoulders? lol. Don't quite get the whole 1, 2, 3 fingers thing, thanks though. We let them out of the run today, one of them isn't afraid of anything. Shes always the first out and she actually waltzed inside the house today, and looked at the chicken in the oven (I hope she isnt scarred for life!) the only reason I knew she was there was because I heard a weird clucking sound behind me. Its whenever I wear my trainers, she follows me so she can peck at the laces. Shes the only one who does it though lol.