Easter Egger combs

[ChooksChick]

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Most birds do not begin laying at only 3 months old (12 weeks). That would be rare indeed. It is usually more like 6 months old (24 weeks) 5 months is pushing it. some do not start to lay until they are even 8 months or older.

they do start getting redder faced several weeks before, though, right?

Sometimes. It varies by individual, even. I have a pullet who is white as a lily, and three 2 weeks younger (15 weeks) who are pink-faced.

It can be different within other breeds, too- I have 2 buttercups: one with wattles and a great comb, one who isn't thinking about maturing yet.

 

[Pampered Hen]

I agree, some birds within one breed do grow and mature at different rates. I just raised 51 chicks of various breeds. The 12 Speckled Sussex in that group feathered in at different rates and I was almost certain I would end up with 50% males, but low and behold all but one turned out to be girls. The single male made is presence known at around 5 weeks when his little comb had a growth spur and turned pink. He still has no tail to speak off and he is more muscular and head head has the typical squarish form of a rooster.

Thanks for your opinions on my EE. She is my biggest fav ever: so feisty, yet friendly, curious and nearly fearless.

 

[bayareapilot]

Certainly no expert on this kind of stuff, but I'm pretty sure that chickens (at least from what I've read) don't begin laying until four or five months - certainly not 10 weeks.


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[anniem]

Mine was iffy at 5 weeks (got 50/50 when posting here) and by 7 weeks it was for sure roo. From 6-7 weeks he looked more and more roo everyday--mostly the comb, but standing more upright, too.