Signs Your Layers Are About to Start Laying: A Farmer’s Guide

Signs Your Layers Are About to Start Laying: A Farmer’s Guide Learn how to identify the signs your layer chickens are ready to start laying eggs. Aaron Vet Farms Ltd shares expert tips for boosting egg production. If you have been raising pullets (young hens) for the past few months, you’re probably counting down to the exciting day when the first egg appears in the nest box. But how do you know when your layer chickens are about to start laying? At Aaron Vet Farms Ltd, we help poultry farmers in Uganda and beyond understand the growth stages of their birds to ensure maximum egg production. Recognizing the early signs of laying helps you prepare the right feed, housing, and nesting environment, so your hens start strong and stay productive. Below are the key signs your layers are ready to start laying — plus expert tips to support them through this crucial transition. 1. Age Milestone: 18–22 Weeks Old The first and most reliable indicator is age. Most commercial layer breeds such as ISA Brown, Hy-Line, and Lohmann Brown start laying between 18 and 22 weeks. However, age alone isn’t enough — environmental conditions, nutrition, and breed differences can shift this range by a few weeks. Aaron Vet Farms Tip: Keep accurate records of hatching dates. This helps you predict when to introduce layer feed and prepare nesting boxes in time. 2. Comb and Wattle Development As hens approach maturity, their comb and wattles (the red fleshy parts on their head and under the beak) become larger, brighter, and more vibrant in color. This is a sign of hormonal changes that signal reproductive readiness. A young pullet’s comb is small and pale pink. As laying approaches, it turns deep red and feels warm to the touch — a sure sign she’s gearing up to produce eggs. Aaron Vet Farms Tip: A pale comb in older pullets may indicate poor nutrition or delayed maturity — consider reviewing your feed quality. 3. Changes in Pelvic Bones One of the most reliable physical checks is pelvic bone spacing. Before laying, the bones are close together — you may only fit one finger between them. As the bird approaches laying, the bones spread apart to allow an egg to pass, fitting two to three fingers. You can gently feel the area on either side of the vent to check spacing — just be careful and gentle to avoid stressing your bird. Aaron Vet Farms Tip: Combine this check with comb and wattle observation for more accurate predictions. 4. Increase in Appetite and Water Intake A pullet about to lay requires more nutrients to produce eggs. You may notice her eating more feed and drinking more water than before. This is the perfect time to transition from grower mash to layer feed, which contains higher calcium levels to strengthen eggshells. Aaron Vet Farms Tip: Always provide clean, fresh water — dehydration at this stage can delay laying and reduce egg quality. 5. Squatting Behavior When you approach a pullet and she squats low to the ground with her wings slightly spread, it’s a sign she’s becoming sexually mature. This submissive posture is her way of preparing for mating, which also coincides with the onset of egg laying. Aaron Vet Farms Tip: This behavior often starts a week or two before the first egg appears. 6. Exploring and Sitting in Nest Boxes If you notice pullets wandering into nest boxes or scratching inside them, they’re probably getting ready to lay. Providing clean, comfortable nest boxes lined with soft bedding encourages them to start laying in the right place instead of on the floor. Aaron Vet Farms Tip: Place dummy eggs in the nest boxes to guide them where to lay. 7. Changes in Behavior and Activity Levels Maturing hens often become more active during the day, scratching and pecking more. Some may become noisier, producing a distinct “egg song” — a series of clucks and cackles — shortly before or after laying. This is part of their natural instinct and a sign the reproductive system is gearing up. Aaron Vet Farms Tip: Monitor for sudden drops in activity, which could indicate stress or health issues delaying laying. 8. Vent Changes The vent (the external opening where eggs are laid) changes shape and color before laying begins. In immature pullets, it’s small, dry, and pale. As laying approaches, it becomes larger, moist, and pinkish. Aaron Vet Farms Tip: Combine vent inspection with pelvic bone spacing checks for the most accurate prediction. How to Support Layers Before They Start Laying Once you notice these signs, it’s time to make a few adjustments to set your hens up for a productive laying period: Switch to Layer Feed: Layer feed contains around 16–18% protein and added calcium for eggshell formation. Provide Adequate Lighting: Layers need 14–16 hours of light daily to maintain egg production. Clean Nest Boxes: Ensure boxes are dry, comfortable, and placed in a quiet, shaded area. Minimize Stress: Avoid moving birds or making sudden environmental changes during this period. Regular Health Checks: Watch for parasites, respiratory issues, or other illnesses that can delay laying. Common Mistakes Farmers Make Before Laying Starts ❌ Delaying the switch to layer feed – This can lead to weak eggshells and slow production start. ❌ Poor nest box preparation – Dirty or uncomfortable nests can encourage floor-laying habits that are hard to break. ❌ Ignoring lighting requirements – Short daylight hours without supplemental lighting can delay laying for weeks. Final Thoughts Knowing the signs your layers are about to start laying allows you to prepare the right environment, feed, and care. From bright red combs to pelvic bone spacing and nest box exploration, each sign helps you predict when the first egg will arrive. At Aaron Vet Farms Ltd, we supply healthy, high-quality day-old chicks and provide farmers with expert guidance to ensure maximum productivity. Whether you’re just starting your poultry journey or scaling up your flock, our team is here to support you every step of the way