Coming of age

[FeatherstoneFrm]

I have 2 cockerel and 3 hens that are around 20-21 weeks. Last night Hank, my BA cockerel tried to mount Hazel, BA hen who has been squatting for a couple of weeks. Her comb and waffles are pretty big and as bright red as his.
My question is, since he is trying to mate with her, does that mean she is ready to start laying, or will he try to mount the others as well? They are nowhere near ready to lay.
I'm hoping to his is a sign we will have eggs soon from Hazel.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

If they'll accept him, he'll mount them.

 

[aart]

Usually cockerels try to mount anything they can.
It's rather rare and skilled young cockerel that knows when a pullet is read and only mounts her then.

With 2 males present I'm surprised they are both mounting everything like mad.
If pullet is squatting she may be close to lay or just submitting to the dominance mount.
Mounting is not always about sex but is also a dominance behavior.

Here's how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

If they'll accept him, he'll mount them.

Unfortunately for him, Hazel doesn't seem very receptive.

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

Usually cockerels try to mount anything they can.

Thanks for the article. Very helpful info.