At what age does a chicken reach it's full size?

[Suziers]

My girls are 18 weeks and I am wondering if they are about as big as they are going to get? Or will they grow for awhile? Are they about 1/2 grown? Full? Thanks.

 

[gritsar]

Depends on the breed. I have LF brahmas. Every resource says they are not full grown until two years old. I didn't believe it, but they are 15 months old and yep, still growing.

 

[hillbillly]

my gold-laced wyandottes are also 18 weeks- when will they start laying / mating ?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Hi Hillbilly and welcome to BYC!
When you have a question, it's best to start your own thread, otherwise it's considered hijacking.

Twenty weeks is considered the rule of thumb for starting to lay eggs. Some breeds will start a little earlier, some much later. The roos are usually ready to mate a few weeks in advance of the egg laying.

 

[cmom]

I agree.

Most of my birds started laying between 20 to 24 weeks.