Does mating encourage earlier egg laying?

[Sparklewina]

I have two 16ish week old Black Australorps who have recently been inducted into my Sicilian Buttercup's harem. The roo is 6 months old, I think he is going through this "teen years" because he is exceptionally motivated and mates with them several times a day. Does this change anything about their future egg laying prospects? Should I still expect eggs after 22 weeks?

 

[gamebirdsonly]

I wish it would. I have Roos trying to mate that are 3 to 4 months old with same age hens and no early egg layers.

So the answer is no.

 

[speckledhen]

Agreed.


It's always best not to try to rush sexual maturity anyway. Better for their health in the long run.