Eggs ?

[like it fresh]

I have isa browns and leghorns and a few silver wyndotte and a couple araucanas. They are 12 weeks old and Im feeding them Dumar starter finisher feed. The bag states on the back that I feed this till they are 18 weeks old then switch to a layer feed. So my question is when do I open my nesting boxes and start looking for eggs? They lay outside in the run in little holes they've dug pulling dried grass in front of them like they are making a nest. Will they start laying before I start feeding them laying mesh? Thanks for the input.

 

[devora]

The holes they are making are for bathing: they will take a dust bath. It's great to watch.

You don't need to switch to layer feed, I believe, until they lay.

You can open your nestboxes anytime, but some wait until they find the first egg. (Otherwise they might sleep/poop in the box.)

 

[turtlynne]

hi! like it - I am NOT a chicken expert but you will find lots of good info at this site, Chicken 101 was so helpful to me. All the various hens I have had have laid sometime after they were 5 months old - but a few not until the were 8 months old because they molted at 6 months and don't usually lay if molting(and molting has to do with breed - all are different). I think the best way to think about it is they will lay when they lay...LOL! it is 'hard' to wait for 'first egg'! but it will happen. Is another good thing that helps us learn patience. meanwhile I know you are enjoying your flock - it's a whole new world having one!