Chicken Growth and Egglaying

[spencerblumling]

I currently have 4 Rhode island reds, and 3 barred rocks that are almost 20 weeks old. When should I expect them to tart laying eggs? Also, when will these breeds reach their full size? Thanks for the feedback!

 

[chickenmama109]

i have those same breeds they started laying around that time and they are really good layers my rhode islande reds lay good size brown eggs when they start makeing a lound sound kinda like bak bak bak bak bukak that means that they just layed a egg if you already have hens that lay then you already know what im talking about when they do start laying they will need layer feed and oyster shell good luck with your hens they should start laying soon

 

[Frazzemrat1]

According to Meyer's hatchery, as I'm assuming your girls are hatchery chickens... A RIR should start laying at about 16-20 weeks, a BR at 15-18 wks. That said, each bird is an individual, so you should start seeing it any time. I'd check your girl's pubic bones to see how close they are. Any width between the bones over 2.5-3 fingers (depending on your fingers) and you should be getting ready.
As for full growth... I believe most chickens hit their full size by 1.5-2 years.

eta: here's the Meyer's website I got this info from...
https://meyerhatch.desk.com/custome...13642-breed-characteristics-rate-of-maturity-

 

[aart]

I currently have 4 Rhode island reds, and 3 barred rocks that are almost 20 weeks old. When should I expect them to start laying eggs? Also, when will these breeds reach their full size? Thanks for the feedback!

Welcome to BYC!

Average onset of lay for most breeds is 18-26 weeks,
some start earlier, some start later.
Time of year can have an affect as length of daylight is a huge factor.
Diet and housing can also be a factor.
Here's some tips that might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Knowing your location can help with questions you have,
its easy to add to your profile, then its always there!