Hamburgs and Laying?

[Frazzemrat1]

About how old do Hamburgs start laying? My two are about 18 weeks, and I noticed my silver spangled hamburg's comb is really starting to develop and turn red, along with her wattles. She's not quite where pics of full adult hens are, but I was wondering when I should open the nesting boxes and start looking for those first eggs.

Thanks!

 

[rjohns39]

About how old do Hamburgs start laying? My two are about 18 weeks, and I noticed my silver spangled hamburg's comb is really starting to develop and turn red, along with her wattles. She's not quite where pics of full adult hens are, but I was wondering when I should open the nesting boxes and start looking for those first eggs.

Thanks!

Sorry I don't have an answer for you--but since I have 8 week old hamburg crosses figured I'd follow and see what the experts have to say.

 

[lazy gardener]

If she's looking like she's getting to that point, I'd open the nest boxes now. The only reason to keep them closed is if you have birds still trying to sleep in them, in which case, you could open them, but check them to kick any squatters out in the evening. Birds need those next boxes open so they can explore them before they start laying.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

@rjohns39 I found this when I was searching around...
It seems that the Hamburgs are likely to start laying between 16-20 weeks. So, at 18 weeks, my hamburgs should start at any time.

https://meyerhatch.desk.com/custome...13642-breed-characteristics-rate-of-maturity-