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What age hens start laying?

post #1 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:01pm
Thread Starter 

At what age do hens usually start laying eggs?  We got our 25 Isa browns as little chicks on April 15.  They've grown a lot, but we're expecting it to be several more months before they start contributing to our breakfast. - Stephanie

Stephanie - Feldpausch Family French Farm - Mid-Michigan
My husband and I are blessed to have 6 children ages 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, & baby,
24 Isa Brown Hens, 2 French Alpine dairy goats, and 4 kittens.  God is good!
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Stephanie - Feldpausch Family French Farm - Mid-Michigan
My husband and I are blessed to have 6 children ages 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, & baby,
24 Isa Brown Hens, 2 French Alpine dairy goats, and 4 kittens.  God is good!
Reply

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post #2 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:03pm

I have heard 10-12 weeks most commonly but I dont know if that is correct. I got some on Easter weekend and no eggs yet hmm

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post #3 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:05pm

Typically it's around 17 wks.    Mine didn't start laying till 25 wks. old though.    I would plan on 20 to be safe.

Fondly called the the crazy lady neighbor with- 1 Hubby, 3 children, 2 Springer Spaniels, 1 crazy cat, 1 Austrolorp, 1 Deleware, 1 Barred Rock, 1 guinea pig, 1 Arab/QH gelding, 1 Spotted Draft mare, and a tank full of fish...am I forgetting anything??
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Fondly called the the crazy lady neighbor with- 1 Hubby, 3 children, 2 Springer Spaniels, 1 crazy cat, 1 Austrolorp, 1 Deleware, 1 Barred Rock, 1 guinea pig, 1 Arab/QH gelding, 1 Spotted Draft mare, and a tank full of fish...am I forgetting anything??
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post #4 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:14pm

Will they give any kind of signs (actions, behavior, demeanor, etc...) that they are about to start laying?

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post #5 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:17pm

Usually a couple weeks before or maybe even 3 you may see the combs getting really red.   They also sometimes get noisier.  I don't have those breeds though, but I don't think it will differ too much.   The combs/waddles are a big clue you are close.

Fondly called the the crazy lady neighbor with- 1 Hubby, 3 children, 2 Springer Spaniels, 1 crazy cat, 1 Austrolorp, 1 Deleware, 1 Barred Rock, 1 guinea pig, 1 Arab/QH gelding, 1 Spotted Draft mare, and a tank full of fish...am I forgetting anything??
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Fondly called the the crazy lady neighbor with- 1 Hubby, 3 children, 2 Springer Spaniels, 1 crazy cat, 1 Austrolorp, 1 Deleware, 1 Barred Rock, 1 guinea pig, 1 Arab/QH gelding, 1 Spotted Draft mare, and a tank full of fish...am I forgetting anything??
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post #6 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:22pm

Typically they start laying around 18 - 22 weeks old, but it depends on the breed, environment & what they are being fed.  I think my flock started laying at around 20 weeks last yr.  Gosh~ it seemed like waiting forever.

The signs that I saw was them doing the submissive squat about 2 weeks before they started to lay.

I know some BYC member's chickens didn't start laying until way later than the typical 18 - 22 weeks.

~Fall 2011 Crochet Granny Square SWAP~
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=561816
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~Fall 2011 Crochet Granny Square SWAP~
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=561816
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post #7 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by s6bee 

Usually a couple weeks before or maybe even 3 you may see the combs getting really red.   They also sometimes get noisier.  I don't have those breeds though, but I don't think it will differ too much.   The combs/waddles are a big clue you are close.


Oh yea, I forgot about the combs & waddle part.

I think mine got nosier after they started to lay, but can't remember now.  I just know how sweet they would squat and let you pick them up & pet them.

~Fall 2011 Crochet Granny Square SWAP~
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=561816
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~Fall 2011 Crochet Granny Square SWAP~
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=561816
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post #8 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:27pm

Smitty's Farm :

Quote:
Originally Posted by s6bee 

Usually a couple weeks before or maybe even 3 you may see the combs getting really red.   They also sometimes get noisier.  I don't have those breeds though, but I don't think it will differ too much.   The combs/waddles are a big clue you are close.


Oh yea, I forgot about the combs & waddle part.

I think mine got nosier after they started to lay, but can't remember now.  I just know how sweet they would squat and let you pick them up & pet them.


I forgot about the "squat".   

When you go to pet them, they kind of squat down, it is obvious.

Fondly called the the crazy lady neighbor with- 1 Hubby, 3 children, 2 Springer Spaniels, 1 crazy cat, 1 Austrolorp, 1 Deleware, 1 Barred Rock, 1 guinea pig, 1 Arab/QH gelding, 1 Spotted Draft mare, and a tank full of fish...am I forgetting anything??
Reply
Fondly called the the crazy lady neighbor with- 1 Hubby, 3 children, 2 Springer Spaniels, 1 crazy cat, 1 Austrolorp, 1 Deleware, 1 Barred Rock, 1 guinea pig, 1 Arab/QH gelding, 1 Spotted Draft mare, and a tank full of fish...am I forgetting anything??
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post #9 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:29pm

My favorite rule of thumb is 20 weeks. Some may be a little sooner and some a little later....however most will start around 20 weeks, so I wouldn't worry a little soon or late.

  bigzio

Calling all Wisconsinites....come and enjoy the days of Spring with us on the "Cheesehead" thread!  http:/ http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=44015700

Annual Bash...A must Event  http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/734707/fourth-annual-bigzios-wi-cheesehead-chickenstock-thread

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Calling all Wisconsinites....come and enjoy the days of Spring with us on the "Cheesehead" thread!  http:/ http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=44015700

Annual Bash...A must Event  http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/734707/fourth-annual-bigzios-wi-cheesehead-chickenstock-thread

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post #10 of 31
5/27/08 at 4:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by s6bee 

Smitty's Farm :

Quote:
Originally Posted by s6bee 

Usually a couple weeks before or maybe even 3 you may see the combs getting really red.   They also sometimes get noisier.  I don't have those breeds though, but I don't think it will differ too much.   The combs/waddles are a big clue you are close.


Oh yea, I forgot about the combs & waddle part.

I think mine got nosier after they started to lay, but can't remember now.  I just know how sweet they would squat and let you pick them up & pet them.


I forgot about the "squat".   

When you go to pet them, they kind of squat down, it is obvious.


Well, between the 2 of us we pretty much covered all the signs.

Oh yea, I just remember another one ........... Don't forget to check the vent!  big_smile

~Fall 2011 Crochet Granny Square SWAP~
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=561816
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~Fall 2011 Crochet Granny Square SWAP~
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=561816
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BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Raising BackYard Chickens › Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying › What age hens start laying?