ISCA Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 My Marans and Cream Legbar have developed quite vivid red combs and wattles over the last week or so, and they look far more mature than the others. I have no concerns that they are male!! What I wonder was, does the change in colour signify imminent laying? And if it does, in your experience, how long after the change does it take for an egg to appear? Not that I am impatient and checking the nest box thrice daily just in case an egg is laid I would not expect anything for a while as they are only 18 weeks (so I was told, but there seems to be some poetic licence from farmers regarding the age of pullets I have noticed!!!). Recent shots of the Marans and CL appear here viewtopic.php?f=5&t=65393 The combs and wattles appear redder than they show in the photos as the flash from the camera has washed out some colour. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 I noticed that the combs and wattles get redder before laying, but the most notable change was that the hens started to crouch when I went to pick them up a week or two before they laid their first egg. I've only got 3 chooks though, so I don't have much experience in this matter. Just something I noticed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 My MD's wottles and comb are not bright red but they are making a sort of nest in their area. Moving all the saw dust and making holes so that means mine are almost ready. Have you seen any of this behaviour ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midori Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 I am not sure, but I posted a similar thread with pics in the eggs section yesterday as I am wondering the same thing. Here: viewtopic.php?f=37&t=65425 Their combs and wattles are also redder than it seems to show in the pictures. Have you tried feeling the pelvic bones? There is a post in the egg information section which explains how to do it. I felt mine last night and there is about a two fingers width gap. Apparently that means laying might be imminent. I have noticed my light sussex (hybrid we think) looking in and hanging around near the nest box, but not in it. I don't think they have been nesting, but I can't be sure as I have two hens that do lay. I'll let you know if mine do lay, do post when yours do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISCA Posted June 22, 2010 Author Share Posted June 22, 2010 Not seen any crouching, just running away (unless I have food!) No signs of nest making and have no idea about the pelvic bones. I shall examine them later I never thought to look in the Egg section Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midori Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 I keep posting in the wrong section, so examined them all carefully before deciding... Mine also aren't crouching, but the my Buff Sussex have been laying since last year with their previous owners and don't crouch. Best of luck, it's worse than waiting for Christmas, isn't it?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
