Do pullets need to be fully grown to lay eggs?

[chickeneyfoot]

I have 2 18 week old RIRs. They are smaller than my 5-6 month barred rock. Do you think they can lay even though they are not fully grown??
Thnaks

 

[BlazeJester]

They should be reaching sexual maturity around now. Their combs and wattles will develop and redden before they lay and they will start to "squat" (or submit to a rooster) when you go to pet them. These are all signs they are getting ready to lay, but they may not start until February or so because the days are so short right now. Mine will be 20 weeks at the solstice... no idea why I didn't plan THAT one better

Just FYI, they lay when they reach sexual maturity, so in that respect they are fully grown. They will continue to fill out for another ~6 months though.

 

[lotzahenz]

HI and Welcome to BYC. Your pullets may lay at 24 to 28 weeks, but I have some huge Sussex and they were hatched in March and not an egg yet. I think the bigger the bird, the longer it takes them to start laying. Once you get eggs, it is awesome!!! HenZ

 

[Ariel301]

Thirteen year old girls are capable of reproducing even though they are not full grown. It's the same with animals, they will still continue to grow some after becoming fertile.

 

[Jajika]

I know you are eager and mostly likely your chickens will lay at about six months.

It is true that the chances are they won't begin until there are more daylight hours.

It's really exciting when you get that first egg. Fun.

 

[epeloquin]

My Rhodies started laying between 20 and 23 weeks. You're close. The lack of daylight may delay them a little more.