Dumb question for Serama breeders

[BorderKelpie]

Ok, I was wondering at what age do you weigh Seramas to figure out what class they are? I have some tiny 7-8 week old babies (crowing for almost 2 weeks now!) and I would like to know 'what' they are. They are so far about the size of my ringneck doves and so freaking adorable. Does 6 months seem about right? Oh, and when do they start to lay, since the boys are crowing and scrapping already.
Thanks!

 

[BluegrassSeramas]

Six months is about right, they may gain a few grams as they fill out.
I say they lay later than that. Seramas are not the best layers. I had two smaller A class birds that didnt lay and they were well over a year old.

 

[SeramaLife]

Quote:
I had one lay at 4months

 

[BluegrassSeramas]

I wish I had those genetics, and ones that lay at least 300 days out of the year while Im wishing!

 

[Akane]

I've heard most can start laying at 4months. The really tiny birds may never lay and usually won't lay as well. That's one of the difficulties of breeding the really small ones. B and C class birds are much easier to deal with and reproduce.

 

[tiki244]

I suppose about 6 months, although I think that may be a bit early. They will be totally mature at about 1-1/2 years. I would just weigh them to get a general idea if they fall within the 'standard' weight. Although A class Seramas may be small and cute, I do not think they are much good for breeding at all. The B and C class is much better for breeding. Pullet eggs will also be smaller than a hen's egggs. I personally am more interested in good type, considering weight only as a measuring tool to see if they come within the 'limits'.

 

[SeramaLife]

Quote:
I agree!

My 4 month layer is actually one of my smallest. Her type is bad. Her back is long, like a leghorns, maybe that had something to do with it??

 

[canada-goose]

Ondra's Seramas :

Quote:
I agree!

My 4 month layer is actually one of my smallest. Her type is bad. Her back is long, like a leghorns, maybe that had something to do with it??

To tiki244: I agree, too. A little bigger means stronger and healthier. A lot bigger is probably undesirable for breeding, though.

To Ondra's Seramas: Your hen sounds pretty low quality....except for the laying! My Serama hen is fairly good quality and~amazingly~she lays quite tolerably as well! I was pleasantly surprised!​

 

[BorderKelpie]

Thank you for the replies. I am not trying for show birds or even to breed for profit, etc. I was just curious as to how to 'rate' them - not that it really matters to me. I have tese because I really enjoy them. I love hearing the little tiny crows and seeing little bitty miniatures strutting around and acting like normal chickens. It's too cute. I was mostly wondering about the laying thing because a friend of mine met them recently and was wanting some as house pets, too. I was hoping to maybe raise a couple of chicks as a gift (Christmas, birthday, or anniversary) so I was curious about a timeline, so I would have a guess as to which occasion I would be gifting them. lol
Thanks,again!