Egg laying

[catahoulalil]

Hi,

I'm new to this chicken thing and have allot of questions, like how old does a chicken have to be before she starts laying eggs?

Thanks,
catahoulalil

1 Araucana, 1 Black Austrolorp, 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte, & 1 Barred Rock

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

My ameraucanas started at around 20-22 weeks. My silkies took longer. They ranged from 7-9 months.

How old are your girls?

 

[mmajw]

Normally 4-6 months old

 

[Sahara]

My RIR and Wyandotte started at about 6 months old. I think it varies by breed.

 

[All about the EGG]

How about the sex link breeds? They are mixed!

 

[aliena614]

my white rocks started at 26 to 28 weeks! Happy waiting!!!!

 

[catahoulalil]

My girls are only seven weeks old and they are so interesting to watch. They each have a distinct personality and they are such clowns!

Another question - will they automatically know to lay their eggs in the nesting box? They know where it is but I'm not sure they know what it's for yet. Oh, and what's the best material to use inside the hen house -straw, wood shavings, dry bed pellets?

Thanks,

catahoulalil

1 Araucana (Alice), 1 Barred Rock (Bertha), 1 Black Austrolorp (Betty) & 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte (Sylvia)