Chicken Support Insights - Episode 34: First Egg Season: Reading the Signs Your Pullets Are Almost There

If you've been checking the nesting boxes every day and wondering when that first egg will finally arrive, you're not alone. In this episode of Chicken Support Insights, Matt and Connie discuss thephysical and behavioral signs that often appear as pullets get closer to laying, explain what's completely normal during this stage, and share practical advice to help you feel more confident as your flock reaches this exciting milestone.

What signs have you noticed that make you think your pullets are almost ready to lay their first eggs?

If you'd like to learn more about preparing for your flock's first laying season, be sure to read our article, "When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs" It covers nesting box setup, nutrition, flock management, and other practical tips to help your birds transition smoothly into laying.

For more backyard poultry education, breed selection guidance, chick care resources, and seasonal flock management tips, explore Valley Hatchery's educational content. If this episode helped you think differently about predator warning signs and coop security, be sure to subscribe to Chicken Support Insights for more practical poultry education and backyard chicken insights.

Transcript

Matt 0:08

Hi everyone, welcome back to Chicken Support Insights, the podcast where we answer the questions backyard chicken keepers ask us every day. I'm Matt and I'm joined by Connie, one of the most exciting milestones for any flock owners finding that very first egg.

Connie 0:23

But before that happens, there's usually a lot of wondering if your pullets are getting close.

Matt 0:30

Today we're talking about the signs that tell you your birds are almost ready to start laying, what's perfectly normal during this stage, and when it might be time to take a closer look. Let's jump in. So, what are some of the first signs that tell you a pullet is getting close to laying her first egg?

Connie 0:47

One of the easiest things people noticed is the comb changing color. It usually becomes brighter and fuller as the pullet gets closer to laying. And you'll also see the maturity in the body shape where the pelvic bones are beginning to widen. And a lot of times it depends on breeds, as all breeds start laying anywhere from maybe four to six months. And every bird develops at her own pace.

Matt 1:18

Right. Yep. That's one of those signs people often notice without realizing what it means.

Connie 1:24

So, Matt, what are some of the behavioral changes usually happen before that first egg shows up?

Matt 1:31

Yeah, so one of the funniest signs is when people notice their pullets suddenly spending more time checking out the nesting boxes. It can seem like they're practicing for the big day. So before laying their first egg, pullets may show a few natural behaviors. So first, squatting behavior. A pullet may lower herself and approach, which is a common sign she is reaching maturity. Second, exploring nest boxes. She may start stepping into nesting areas, scratching around or sitting in the boxes before she ever lays. Third, spending more time in the coop. Some pullets begin hanging around nesting areas as their instincts guide them towards laying. Fourth, they are becoming more vocal. So you may notice more clucking, chatting, or new sounds as they mature. Lastly, rearranging bedding, like scratching and moving bedding around is normal nesting behavior. So this changes are all part of normal development as a pullet matures into a laying hand. Every chicken is different, so some may show several signs while others may show only a few before that first egg arrives.

Connie 2:39

Exactly, Matt. They're practicing before they actually need them.

Matt 2:48

So what are some things people worry about that are actually completely normal during a stage?

Connie 2:54

A lot of first-time keepers expect every bullet to start laying on the same day. And that's never how it works. Different breeds are maturing at different speeds. Like I said before, some of them start laying anywhere around four months, and some of them take six months or maybe even longer. And a lot of times they have just a tiny little egg. And a lot of times that first egg has a very thin shell. And when you start seeing that very first egg, it's time to start with the layer feed. And another thing you can never do is compare one bird to another.

Matt 3:38

Right. A little patience usually goes a long way during first egg season.

Connie 3:43

Okay, Matt, how can people prepare their coop before those first eggs start arriving?

Matt 3:49

Okay, so the best time to prepare your nesting boxes actually before your pulllets show much interest in them. So getting your coop ready early helps make the transition into egg laying easier and less stressful for your hens. Start making sure your nesting boxes are clean, comfortable, and place in a quiet area of the coop. You can add fresh bedding and make the space inviting so your pullets know where they should lay when the time comes. So as your pullets get close to laying age, providing a quality layer feed with the nutrients they need for healthy egg production, you need to avoid sudden changes in their routine. A stress can affect their comfort and laying habits. So keep the nesting area clean by replacing dirty bedding regularly. Also, a fresh, comfortable nesting box is more likely to encourage hands to use it. So once your hands begin laying, check the coop often and collect eggs regularly. This would help keep the nesting area clean and protects eggs from damage. So with a little preparation, patience, and a comfortable environment, you'll be ready to enjoy those first eggs from your flock.

Connie 4:51

Exactly, Matt. Having everything ready helps make the transition a lot smoother. Hopefully, today's conversation gives you a better idea of what to expect as your pullets get closer to laying. Watching these little milestones is one of the most rewarding parts of raising a backyard flock.

Matt 5:13

And if you have a chicken question you'd like us to answer in a future Chicken Support Insights episode, we'd love to hear it from you. Have a chicken question for us? Leave us a voice message using the fan mail link in this episode's description box on Bus Route. Listen to every message, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode of Chicken Support Insights.

Connie 5:32

Thank you so much for listening, and we'll see you next time.

Matt 5:35

Take care, everyone. Bye bye.