Once a properly cared-for hen starts laying eggs, it will continue to do so every 24 to 27 hours as long as it gets enough light.To predict when a hen will lay its first egg, look for physical signs of maturity, as well as behavioral changes that indicate the bird is ready to lay.If the hen stops laying eggs, look for signs that it has lost its appetite or is sick.
Step 1: Consider the hen's age along with its 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 in the abdominal area.
Step 2: Get bigger and redder with the comb, wattles, and vent.
An immature hen will have a small comb on top of its head.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.
Use your hand to hold the bird's feet as you cradle it against your side.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 bones.
When a hen is ready to start laying, there will be an increase in the gap between the two bones.If you pick the bird up, you will be able to see the separation more clearly.Increased fat build up will cause the abdominal area between the breastbone and the pelvic bones to become larger and softer.
Step 5: Take note of the behavior that indicates 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 will be ready to start laying eggs.When having sex with a rooster, hens assume this position.Even if there are no roosters around, they will lay eggs when they are ready.If you want to breed chickens, you only need a rooster.Without a rooster present, hens will lay unfertilized eggs.
Step 6: The hen is going to start preparing its area.
If you have built a nest box for your hen, it will start hanging around the box more and begin rearranging the bedding material.It likes 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.A wide range of materials can be used to build a box.They should be between 30 and 30 cm in size.You don't have to give a box for each hen, but you should give at least one for every few hens.
Step 7: The first egg will be on the nest.
When a hen is ready to lay its first egg, it will perch on top of the nest it has set up in its chosen area.It might make some crowing or cackling sounds when it's straining.You are likely to find an egg in the nest within a day.The first egg may be small or misshapen.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 may need medical attention.
Step 8: Determine if the hen is getting 12-16 hours of light per day.
When hens get less than 12 hours of daylight a 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 are going for a more natural approach, wait a few months for the days to get longer and 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 are not 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 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 get older.
Step 10: There are signs that the hen is done laying.
The end of the hen's egg-laying years will cause the comb and wattles to fade from their deep red coloring.The vent will become smaller and less moist as it fades in color.There will be a decrease in the spacing between the pubic bones and breastbone.Before the hen starts laying eggs, it will return to its appearance.The hen is likely to stop its behavior.
Step 11: Evaluate if a hen is well-fed and healthy.
If your hen is in the right age range, it should be laying eggs.If it isn't, investigate possible causes and consult your vet.The hen doesn't have access to 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.The hen has a problem.Sick hens may stop laying eggs.Get in touch with your vet.