egg laying age?

[hemna]

Hey folks,
I'm a chicken newb. I just moved my 5 chickens into their new digs (https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=314803&p=1)
and I was wondering what age I should expect the mamas to start laying? I think mine are about 8 or 9 weeks old now.

sorry for the dumb question,
Walt

 

[Harrietsmum]

Not a dumb question. But not easy to answer. Depends on the breed of pullet, diet, hours of light, temperature, genes of individual birds..........
You could make sure that you have the maternity ward ready at about 18 weeks, then start watching for eggs from about 20 to 24 weeks. But don't get your hopes up. Just enjoy your birds. They will lay when they are ready.

 

[feathersnuggles]

In my flock of 5 chicks, born the same time, one started laying at 19 weeks, and the last one started at 39+ weeks. In-betweens started at 24 and 28 weeks old.

 

[Dora'smom]

It really is hard to say. My second set of birds came home as chicks about 11 months ago and one of those just started laying in the last two weeks. Another one started at about 9 months, and the other two at 6 and 5 months. Really difficult to pin down. Just enjoy them, and don't worry too much.

 

[3littlebirds]

My first just started laying and she's about 5 1/2 months.

 

[hemna]

wow, there sure seems to be quite the range of dates/times in which they will start to lay. I suppose it depends on a lot of things,
breed, conditions, health, etc.

Thanks guys for the info. My ladies have a ways to go!