It is super exciting when your hen gets close to laying, but sometimes it is hard to tell, so here are my five signs to look for when your hen is close to laying!
-1 She might have an increased appetite
The process of a hen making an egg takes a lot of time and energy, because of this her appetite might increase! This is also a good time to start giving them free choice oyster or eggshells.
-2 Her comb and wattle will get larger and turn red
When a young pullet is close to laying her comb and wattle will turn bright red, and usually it will get larger. This happens as her hormones are changing which means that she is closer to laying.
Note: If this happens when she is under 10 weeks then your hen is probably a rooster!
-3 She will start singing
When your hen is getting close to laying, she will start singing her egg song! The best thing about the egg song is that each hen will have her own tune! When your hen starts laying she will sing for hours before and after she lays.
-4 She will hang out in the coop more
A lot of times your pullet will hang out in the coop or nesting box area. This is because she is trying to find the perfect spot for her to lay!
-5 The submissive squat
This is one of the main signs that your hen will likely start laying within the next few weeks. If your hen squats when you go to catch her or walk by then she is probably super close to laying!
Are your pullets doing any of these? Let me know in the comments what signs your pullets are showing.
The 1912 Homestead 