15 weeks and laying eggs

[Kattee]

Is it okay that she is laying eggs this young? I cant find anywhere on the web of a chicken laying younger than 18 weeks and I'm worried about her health. We got her when she was a day or two so I know she is only 15 weeks old. There was three small eggs in her nest and she was sitting on them this morning. Poor thing, we dont have a rooster. I am feeding her layer and oyster shells (plus mealworms, wheat bread, veggies and fruit) is there anything else I should be doing? Should I be concerned?

 

[elliechooks]

Depends on the breed, and I think they do start laying earlier in the summer. My first hens were 24 weeks when they started but that was around Christmas time, I also had one that started to lay in June at 16 weeks! Just like humans really, some of us hit puberty earlier than others.

 

[Kattee]

Thanks for the reply! Since there were three does that mean three of them are laying or can she lay more than one a day?

 

[CobaltChick]

Well, it's impossible for her to have laid three eggs in one day, so I'm gonna guess that your other chicks are laying as well. You're lucky though; my pullets never start laying until they're at least twenty-two weeks old. Psh. They're slackers.

 

[elliechooks]

It is possible that they can lay more than one a day but unlikely, only normally when they are really stressed. When mine started I found 3 but I think it was 2 laying over 2 days, I hasn't been looking too carefully as I hadn't expected them so soon! If you go near your hens do they squat down with their wings slightly up? This is usually a good clue as to which ones are laying.

 

[CobaltChick]

Waaait. I take back what I said. They can lay more than one egg in a day, but it usually doesn't last for a long time. I had a hen named Ruby that was like that when she was still young. I can't believe I forgot about that fussy chicken. She was fierce. She beat up the rooster of the flock.

I felt so bad for him...Anyways, enjoy your eggs!

 

[Kattee]

Thanks! Yes, there are a few that squat down when I go to pick them up. I just figured they wanted me to help them back over the fence...guess their not THAT smart. Lol. That or they were really friendly, they chase me everywhere I go and try to eat my toes. Haha, how funny my husbamd was so excited yesterday he said "look honey, they are letting me pet them"