Once a properly cared-for hen starts laying eggs, it will continue to do so every day for the rest of its life.To predict when a hen will lay its first egg, look for physical signs of maturity and behavioral changes that indicate the bird is ready to lay.If the hen stops laying eggs, look for signs that it has moved out of its egg-laying years, and check for evidence of malnutrition or illness.
Step 1: Consider the hen's age and appearance.
Depending on the breed of hens, some start laying eggs as early as 16 weeks, while others start around 16 months.It is always helpful to ask yourself if the hen looks like an adult if you don't know the typical laying age of your hen's breed.If you have other adult hens, compare their size, bone structure, and appearance.A hen that is mature is usually ready to lay.When a hen is ready to lay, you may see a rapid increase in size and weight.
Step 2: The comb, wattles, and vent need to be watched to get larger and redder.
An immature hen has a small comb under its beak.The comb and wattles will take on a deep red color when the hen reaches laying age.The hen's vent will get bigger and redder.It is likely to go from being dry to moist.
Step 3: If the hen's bones have separated, check it out.
Use your hand to hold the bird's feet as you cradle it against your side.You can feel the hen's rear end with your free hand.The bird isn't ready to lay until you can feel 3 distinct bones.The hen is probably ready to start laying if the spacing between the 3 bones is as wide as 3 of your fingers.
Step 4: Look for growth between the breastbone and the Pelvic bones.
When a hen is ready to start laying, the gap between the two bones will increase.If you pick the bird up, you will be able to see the greater separation.Increased fat build up will cause the abdominal area between the breastbone and the pelvic bones to become larger and softer.
Step 5: Take a look at the behavior that signifies readiness.
Place your hand over the back of the hen.If the hen squats down, with its back pressed downward and its wings and legs spread out, it is ready to start laying eggs.When having sex with a rooster, hens assume this position.Even if there are no roosters around, they will do it when they are ready to lay eggs.If you want to breed chickens, you only need a rooster.Without a rooster present, hens will lay unfertilized eggs.
Step 6: The hen will start preparing its area.
If you built a nest box for your hen, it will start hanging around the box more and begin rearranging the bedding material.When it is ready to lay.If you are raising chickens completely free-range, watch for a hen to identify an isolated spot and start digging and collecting materials to create its own nest area.Old wooden drawers can be used to build nested boxes.They should be at least 12 in (30 30 cm) or larger.You don't have to provide a box for each hen, but you should make at least one for every few hens.
Step 7: The first egg will be on the nest.
hen will perch on top of the nest it has set up in order to lay its first eggIt might make some crowing or cackling sounds if you notice it straining from time to time.You are likely to find an egg within a day.The first egg may be small or large.The shape and size will change over time.During the laying season, a hen will create a new egg every 24 to 27 hours.If the hen hasn't produced an egg after sitting on the nest for a few days, call a doctor.The hen will need medical attention if it is egg bound.
Step 8: The hen gets 12-16 hours of light per day.
When hens get less than 12 hours of daylight per day, they stop laying eggs.When they get 12 hours of light a day, they will produce an egg every 24 to 27 hours.If you wait a few months for the days to get longer, your hen will start laying again.Depending on the season, hens take a 3-4 month break.Adding artificial light can keep your hens laying eggs year-round.Adding a 60- watt bulb may be enough to keep the hens laying.The light doesn't need to be on during daylight if you use a timer.
Step 9: Eggs should not be expected after a hen reaches 3-4 years of age.
After 3-4 years, hen's egg production will stop, but they can live for up to 10 years.The eggs will become less and less frequent as time goes on.Some people decide to use hens for meat at this point, but you can also keep them around as they age.
Step 10: There are physical signs that the hen is finished laying.
When the hen reaches the end of its egg-laying years, its comb and wattles will fade from their deep red coloring.The vent will become smaller and less moist as it fades in color.The spacing between the pubic bones and breastbone will decrease.Before the hen starts laying eggs, it will return to its appearance.The hen is likely to stop its behavior.
Step 11: Evaluate whether a hen is well-fed and healthy.
If your hen is in the right age range and gets enough daylight, it should lay eggs.If it isn't, investigate possible causes and consult your vet.The hen doesn't have access to clean, fresh water at all times.There are problems with your watering system.The hen is not getting enough nutrition from its feed.Ask your vet for feeding advice if you want to change to a higher-quality feed.There is an illness or parasites in the hen.Sick hens lay fewer eggs.Get in touch with your doctor.