Anywhere from 20-26 weeks is pretty common for most breeds. There are exceptions and with daylight hours reducing, they may not start at all until spring. I had an EE start as early as 18 weeks as well, so it is somewhat dependent on the bird and how fast they mature as well. My black orps just started laying at 23 weeks. Jody
Quote:I think you might have a point about how fast they develop , because I have ( 10 black austrolops ) that were born in April . We are now in Nov. which makes 7 months old . They were in a 6 ft. cage for the 1st. 3 months and I do beleive it slowed their development down alot . Because I have " 11 buff opingtons " and they are loose in the run and have been since 5 weeks old and they are only 2 months old now and they are HUGE . and at 7 months old the austrolorps are still not laying . We started them on laying pellets for the last 3 months thinking that would help , but NOT . They are very healthy but not laying yet .
Mine just started laying at 23 weeks and 3 days. I believe it's my buff orps since they are a blush pink egg. Not sure yet. I have eight eggs total over five days. Very exciting!
