First egg question

[PtldChick]

I got my first egg today!

It was from one of my Easter Eggers who is about 18 weeks old. Isn't that kind of young for a pullet to start laying? The reason I know it was her was I caught her right after she laid it and was still in the bushes. Earlier I saw her squatting for my Indian Runner drake!

Needless to say I now have 3 nest boxes set up.

Coincidentally, I read this weekend in a back issue of Backyard Poultry that starting to lay young can be one of many contributing factors to becoming egg-bound.

Just wanted some opinions/experiences on whether this seems rather young for her to start.

I don't know if it matters, but she is a white with lots and lots of red, including some red lacing and red barring, and even some dark brick red like the cockerals get. So maybe there is RIR/NH/Production Red in her background? Do they start laying earlier than other breeds? She is also my biggest EE.

The egg is a pretty blue-green, nice hard shell and was rather ovular. It had a little bit of blood on it, is that normal?

I wasn't expecting anyone to start until at least September since she and my other EE are the oldest of my flock, so good thing I started putting out oyster shell last week!

Thanks for your answers.

 

[MissBay]

Mine started laying at 16 weeks. Surprised me also. I have Buff's, Rhode Islands, Delaware's and Bared rocks. Eight total.
The first egg was rolling around in the mud, I've sense opened up there nesting boxes and now there laying daily.
The eggs are soooo Good.

I haven't notice any blood, but am getting alot of double yokes from the Buff's.

Hope Helps

 

[magicpigeon]

Congrats!