Do Different Breeds Start Laying at Different Times???

[wsdareme]

I have 12 young hens that are almost 16 weeks old. I am DYING to start getting eggs. My question is, does their breed determine when they start laying? I have an Australorp, Delaware, Dominique, 3 Cochins, 2 Wyandottes, Barred Rock, Buff Orpington, Easter Egger, and a Marans.

I'm wondering if I might possibly start getting eggs from any of them at 18 weeks???

Their nesting boxes are ready and waiting for them!

I don't want to buy any more eggs at the store!!

 

[glassparman]

Usually. The Henderson chart states "late" or "early" maturing.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

My Red Star/EE's started at around 5 1/2 months.

 

[CarrieW]

My Marans started laying at exactly 18 weeks, since then, several others, different breeds, have started.

Good luck!

PS...when you finally do get your first egg, don't do a happy dance in the coop, I scared my girls.

 

[tobin123]

Yes they all start a little at different.I find sexlinks or leghorns start early at about 15 or 16 weeks

 

[denise70]

Thanks so much for posting that chart! I saw it before once, but I seemed to have lost it. That is so helpful, thanks!

 

[2dogs1cat]

My EE laid at 17 weeks and my BA laid at almost 25 weeks. The others fell in between. The EE is the youngest and the other four are the same age, go figure.

 

[gritsar]

My adult hens, all LF brahmas were all over the chart with their first eggs. The earliest was a light brahma at 19 weeks. Several others followed suit shortly afterwards, but two hens - both dark brahmas - were 9 1/2 months old before they started.

 

[wsdareme]

Quote:
Thanks -- that chart is very helpful.

 

[TriangleMaster9]

I have a almost 24 week old Buff Orpington, no eggs yet....

 

[TriangleMaster9]

Thats hey in the picture

<--- just she almost older now.