There are a few signs that can indicate a bird is getting ready to lay an egg. Birds generally show consistent behaviors and physical changes as they prepare for egg laying. Being aware of these changes can help bird owners, breeders, and rescuers know when to expect eggs. This allows them to prepare the nesting area and provide extra calcium and protein to support egg production. The timeline varies between species, but the process takes 24-36 hours on average.
Changes in behavior
Birds about to lay eggs often exhibit nesting behaviors. They may become more territorial and defensive of their cage or nesting area. Some specific signs include:
- Carrying items to line the nest
- Rearranging or shredding paper, feathers, or other nesting materials
- Sitting in the nest for long periods
- Searching for dark, secluded spaces to nest
- Displaying brooding behaviors like turning eggs or sitting on empty nests
Egg-laying hens also become much less social and active. They stop interacting with humans, other birds, or toys in the cage. Hens may stay on the nest constantly or refuse to come out to eat or exercise. This brooding behavior prepares them to sit on the eggs once laid. Some hens even begin exhibiting maternal behaviors like clucking to call chicks before the eggs arrive.
Increased eating is another sign. Birds about to lay will up their food intake to get enough calcium for egg shell formation. Higher protein foods like mealworms also support egg development. Watch for a sudden spike in appetite right before the first egg. However, not all individuals will show increased eating.
Physical signs
There are a few physical signs that egg laying is imminent:
- Enlarged abdomen – As yolks develop, the hen’s abdomen will expand. It may appear swollen or rounded.
- Increased droppings – More food consumed means more waste. Watch for extra or larger droppings right before egg laying.
- Vent changes – The vent may appear swollen, moist, or slightly open as the first egg moves into position.
- Egg bumps – Lumps or hard swellings may be visible as eggs move down before being laid.
Owners can sometimes see or feel eggs through the abdominal wall, too. Being familiar with a hen’s normal appearance makes it easier to spot these changes.
Any behavioral or physical changes typically begin 24-48 hours before the first egg is laid. However, this can vary based on the individual and species. Larger birds like chickens and ducks usually show the most noticeable signs. Smaller birds like finches have fewer obvious changes. Know what’s normal for that particular bird.
Pre-laying complications
Egg binding is a potential issue as the reproductive tract prepares for laying. It occurs when contractions are unable to push the egg out. Binding is more common in first-time layers, birds on poor diets, and small birds laying large eggs.
Symptoms of binding include:
- Straining or writhing
- Sitting fluffed up
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or lethargy
- Swelling near the vent
Binding can be life-threatening if left untreated. See an avian vet immediately if egg-laying symptoms last more than 24 hours without an egg appearing. Providing nesting areas, optimal nutrition, and calcium supplements can help prevent binding.
The egg laying process
Once pre-laying changes begin, the bird still needs 24-36 hours to complete shell formation and pass the egg. Here’s an approximate timeline:
- 24-36 hours before – The egg white forms around the yolk. The shell gland begins adding calcium carbonate to form the shell.
- 18-24 hours before – The shell hardens and pigments are added. Hormones prompt the hen to seek a nest site.
- 6-12 hours before – The egg rotates into position with the blunt end facing the vent. Muscle contractions move it down into the shell gland.
- 0-2 hours before – Powerful contractions push the egg out through the vent.
The egg-laying process takes around 1-3 hours from the time the egg enters the vent. Hens usually lay 1 egg every 24-36 hours until the clutch is complete. Then, they begin incubating after the last egg is laid.
Being familiar with this timeline helps identify when a bird is close to laying versus just beginning the preparations. For example, sitting on the nest constantly 12 hours ahead likely means an egg is imminent. However, nesting behaviors a few days earlier signal there’s still time to get ready.
Egg laying in different species
While all birds follow the same egg laying process, timelines and behaviors can vary:
Chickens
- Begin nesting 1-2 weeks before the first egg
- Lay about 1 egg every 25 hours
- Average clutch is 12-15 eggs
- Stop laying when the clutch is complete
- Start incubating after the last egg is laid
Ducks
- Begin nesting about 1-2 weeks before eggs arrive
- Lay 1 egg every 24-36 hours
- Typical clutch is 8-15 eggs
- Will lay eggs continually through summer if not incubating
- Only incubate after laying enough eggs to complete the clutch
Parrots
- Show nesting behavior 2-4 weeks before eggs
- Lay 1 egg every other day
- Clutches are typically 2-5 eggs
- Incubate as soon as the first egg is laid
Finches
- Begin nesting 1-2 weeks ahead of time
- Lay 1 egg per day
- Typical clutch is 4-6 eggs
- Start incubating after 2-4 eggs are laid
Knowing species traits helps determine normal egg laying patterns. If egg production strays from these averages, there could be a health or nutrition issue needing veterinary attention.
Caring for laying hens
Once a hen shows pre-laying signs, there are a few things owners can do to support a healthy process:
- Provide nesting areas – Add nest boxes, coconut huts, or other enclosed, private spaces.
- Offer nesting materials – Supply hay, paper strips, cotton fibers, or similar items.
- Improve nutrition – Increase protein up to 20% of the diet. Offer calcium supplements.
- Avoid handling – Give hens privacy and avoid reaching in nest areas.
- Watch for problems – Monitor for binding, egg breakage, or nest abandonment.
- Collect eggs promptly – Remove eggs soon after laying to prevent breakage.
Proper preparation helps the hen feel safe and relaxed for best egg production. It also keeps the eggs clean and undamaged. Follow these tips starting 1-2 weeks before the expected lay date based on past records.
When to see a vet
Consult an avian veterinarian if any issues occur during the egg laying process:
- Egg binding lasting over 24 hours
- Bleeding from the vent
- Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
- Repeated egg breakage or shell-less eggs
- Sudden drop in egg production
- Eggs laid outside the nest
- Weight loss or poor appetite
- Diarrhea or straining
Problems like these can indicate malnutrition, hormonal disorders, reproductive tract infections, or egg-related disorders. Diagnosis and prompt treatment from an avian vet gives the best outcome.
Common egg laying questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the egg laying process:
How long after breeding do birds lay eggs?
Birds typically begin laying eggs 10-14 days after breeding or mating. However, egg production may not occur until 4-6 weeks after successful mating in some larger bird species.
Do birds lay eggs without mating?
Yes, hens can lay eggs even without a male present to fertilize them. The breeding act itself does not trigger egg production. It is controlled by light exposure and other factors. However, mating may stimulate more frequent egg laying.
Do birds lay eggs at night?
Most birds lay eggs during daylight hours. However, owls, chickens, quail, and some other species may occasionally lay at night. Their cycles are not strictly tied to daylight like with most birds. But the majority of hens lay in the early morning hours when their hormone levels peak.
How do you tell if an egg is fertile?
Candling the egg allows you to see inside and potentially view embryo development. A fertile egg will show a network of veins and a distinct circle where the embryo is forming. Infertile eggs simply have a shadowy air cell with no embryos visible.
Can you predict if a bird will lay eggs?
Personality and genetics influence egg laying drives. Some hens lay consistently while others rarely produce eggs. Environmental factors like diet, light exposure, and breeding activity also impact egg production. So it isn’t always possible to predict with certainty if a specific bird will lay. However, providing ideal conditions can help bring out their natural egg laying instincts when mature.
Conclusion
Identifying pre-laying signs allows plenty of time to prepare for eggs. Look for physical and behavioral changes starting about 1-2 weeks before the expected lay date. Provide nesting sites, increased nutrition, and supplemental calcium to support the hen. Follow species-specific timelines since large parrots may show signs weeks before eggs arrive. Small finches won’t have dramatic changes. Monitor for potential binding and be ready to assist with any egg laying issues. Know what’s normal for that individual bird to make the process smooth and successful. Proper care leads to healthy birds and optimal egg production.