Signs a Chicken Is About to Start Laying

Chickens start laying eggs at about 4 to 5 months old. If you don̵7;t know the signs that your pullet is maturing and ready to begin laying eggs, you may miss the eggs or your chicken may become egg-bound. You can keep your chicken and eggs healthy by watching for the signs that your chicken is about to start laying.

  1. Physical Signs

    • The most obvious change your pullet will undergo before she begins laying is her comb and wattle will turn a deeper red. Your chicken̵7;s comb may also grow larger. Before they lay eggs, chickens will hunt for places to nest. You may notice them trying to roost under bushes, around buildings or claiming a particular perch in the hen house. They may also get more aggressive with the other hens in the yard and squat beneath your hand if you try to pet them.

    Vocal Signs

    • Chickens often sing and make louder noises when they̵7;re about to begin laying. They make soft, musical cooing sounds in the morning and sometimes screech or make a deep growling sound as new hormones and instincts confuse them. The screeching usually goes away with time, but the musical cooing can continue for the chicken̵7;s lifetime.

    Temperament

    • Chickens often become anxious or grumpy before they begin laying eggs. They also become more curious and territorial with other chickens in the yard as they search for and defend possible nesting grounds. These mood swings usually even out with time, but can be intense before a chicken lays her first egg.

    Laying Eggs

    • The actual laying process is usually fast, around 30 seconds, but chickens will prepare to lay about a half hour early. The chicken will pick a roost and sit calmly. She will sometimes make soft cooing sounds. She will lay her egg and usually stand up immediately after.