5 Signs Your Hen Is About to Start Laying Eggs 🥚🐔

Here’s How to Tell When Eggs Are on the Way!

Raising backyard chickens is exciting—especially when your pullets are nearing laying age. But waiting for that very first egg? Torture. 😅

So, how do you know when your hens are about to start laying?

Good news: your girls will give you some pretty clear clues that their egg-laying days are just around the corner. Whether you’ve raised them from chicks or adopted some young pullets, here are 5 signs to watch for so you know egg-citement is coming soon!

🐓 1. They’re About 16–24 Weeks Old

Age is your first hint. Most hens start laying between 16 and 24 weeks old (about 4 to 6 months), depending on their breed.

• Lighter breeds like Leghorns or Australorps often lay earlier (closer to 16–18 weeks)

• Heavier breeds like Orpingtons or Brahmas may take longer (closer to 20–24 weeks)

If your pullets are in this age range, the egg countdown is officially ON!

🍑 2. Their Combs and Wattles Get Bigger and Redder

One of the most noticeable signs that a pullet is approaching laying age is a change in her comb and wattles.

• They’ll turn bright red

• Become plumper and more prominent

This color change is triggered by rising hormones and is your hen’s way of saying, “Hey! I’m getting ready to lay!” 🥚

Red combs and wattles = reproductive system is maturing.

👯 3. The “Submissive Squat”

This one’s a classic!

When you walk up to your pullet and she suddenly squats down with wings slightly outstretched, it’s a big sign she’s ready to lay (and also ready to mate, biologically speaking).

The “egg squat” shows that her body is hormonally preparing for laying.

Not all hens do it, but if yours starts the squat—it’s usually just days away from that first egg!

🏡 4. She Starts Exploring the Nesting Boxes

As they get closer to laying, pullets will often start snooping around the nesting boxes—even hopping in and out, scratching, or sitting for a while.

This is a clear sign she’s looking for a comfy, private place to lay.

👉 Tip: Make sure your nesting boxes are clean, filled with soft bedding (like straw or shavings), and placed in a quiet part of the coop.

You can even pop a fake egg or golf ball in the nest to encourage her to lay in the right spot.

💩 5. Her Poop Changes (Yes, Really!)

Okay, it’s not glamorous, but it’s true—your hen’s droppings may become larger and wetter as her body prepares to lay.

This is totally normal and is simply due to hormonal changes and a shifting diet/metabolism as her reproductive system kicks in.

Of course, always watch for abnormal poop (like bloody or bright green), which could be a sign of illness. But bigger, wetter poop from a healthy pullet? That’s just nature doing its thing.

🥳 Bonus Sign: She’s Just... Acting Different!

Some hens get noisier as laying approaches—clucking more, singing the “egg song,” or just acting more bossy or bold. Others may become quieter and more reserved.

The bottom line: any new behaviors around 18–24 weeks could be related to laying.

🧡 Final Thoughts

That first egg is a milestone moment for any chicken keeper—and your girls will usually let you know it’s coming!

To recap, here are the top 5 signs your hen is about to start laying:

1. She’s the right age (16–24 weeks)

2. Her combs and wattles turn red and grow

3. She does the submissive squat

4. She’s investigating the nesting boxes

5. Her droppings change in size and texture

Keep a close eye—and your camera ready—because that first egg is just around the corner! 🥚🎉

– The Chook Manor Team 🐣