Adopted a Silkie, how long until she lays?

[sheeshshe]

The lady said they just started laying and she is about 4 or 5 months old, I can't remember. She squats when I go to pick her up, but she's been here for 3 weeks and no eggs yet. When you rehome a chicken, does it take a month or two? I presume that she might not have started yet at all?

 

[FireTigeris]

Silkies don't lay many eggs, moving a hen can put her off laying

 

[sheeshshe]

indefinitely? or just for a while?

the lady had about 10 silkies running around and there were eggs all over the place (she wasn't collecting them). So I assume that this one had started at some point.

 

[FireTigeris]

for awhile. Not forever.

My silkie mixes didn't lay that early, mine were nearly a year old, but it may be the line I had.

Picture?

 

[HEChicken]

I'd be stunned if she is really only 4 months old and laying. That is early for any hen (most start between 5-5 1/2 months). I'm no silkie expert, having only acquired my first two a few weeks ago but I've been reading on the silkie thread and the consensus seems to be that while silkies have been known to start as early as 5 months and as late as a year, the average is 7-8 months to start laying.

And yes, any amount of stress will disrupt laying for a few weeks. A move from one coop to another on the same farm is sometimes enough to do it. A move from one residence to another is almost certain to.

 

[sheeshshe]

She said she hatched them out around January. All I know is she said the group started laying recently.

That is interesting info though! I didn't know that about Silkies. I mostly got her for a pet, but I was just concerned a little to make sure that she wouldn't get getting eggbound or something. Just wanted to cover my bases before getting concerned. I know that wasn't explained well and makes me sound like I have no earthy idea what I'm talking about LOL. I can't seem to type what I'm trying to say

 

[FireTigeris]

Silkies are broody, a lot- they do not lay eggs when stressed, in moult, or broody.

Good Luck

 

[sheeshshe]

 

[sheeshshe]

she is just sweet and I love her and so do my kids. <3 that is what it is all about anyways <3 As long as she is healthy, I am happy!

 

[sheeshshe]

OMGosh, she just laid an egg ROFL. see? just make a post on BYC and the egg comes. what a funny timing!

My kids just went to bring her outside and they were all, "look what pompette just did!!!!"
and brought me the egg <3 <3 <3 sweet chickie girl!