early laying?

[jnormancook]

I have a yellow buff and 2 new hampshire reds, all three 6 months old. Three days ago one layed an egg, and has continued to lay 1 a day. I didnt expect them to start laying until after summer, being that we live in S.E. Texas and it is extremely hot and humid this time of year. At what age do young hens usualy begin laying, and does the heat or weather have an effect? It has been unusually wet and cool here the last week. Thanks.

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Pullets will start laying from 4 to 6 months of age. Summer is when they start laying like crazy. Keep water available at all times, it's starting to heat up and pullets/hens take quite a bit of water out of themselves when they lay.