Rhode Island Red laying age??

warren86 · Oct 19, 2016

I've got 6 RIR HENS I know they have to
Be 5 months or older and no eggs from them so what age are they usually laying by? I keep laying pellets in feeder all time and also throw out oyster shells and some shell corn here and there . I know its late October so what age are they usually laying? Also is there a way to maybe get an age on the birds from how they look? Cause they are big birds so I figured they would laying by now

Ol Grey Mare · Oct 19, 2016

Are these birds from production bred lines (ie hatchery) or exhibition bred lines?
Generally speaking, onset of production can be expected between 22 and 28 weeks of age - with a few weeks on either side of that also being in the range of "normal".
If you take and post some photos of your birds we can help you to assess their maturity and how close they may be to production.