Help with laying.

[Danni02]

How do we know when the girls are ready to start laying?
The silkies we brought at 18 weeks and they are now 22 weeks, we were told they were pol when we brought them
The other 3 we have had since 3 weeks old and they are now 14 weeks

 

[swamphiker]

Hi there! I too, am eagerly/anxiously awaiting the first eggs from my pullets. This article has a lot of useful information about signs to look for, age ranges for different breeds, etc: http://craftthyme.com/chickens-will-start-laying-eggs/

I don't know anything about silkies, but I believe that they are known for beginning to lay eggs later than other breeds. Your other ladies look like they still have some time before they begin to lay since their combs and wattles are still very small and not red. They are still very young at 14 weeks, most breeds begin laying around 20 weeks.

Best of luck!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Here's your sign.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[ChickenCanoe]

How do we know when the girls are ready to start laying?
The silkies we brought at 18 weeks and they are now 22 weeks, we were told they were pol when we brought them
The other 3 we have had since 3 weeks old and they are now 14 weeksView attachment 2202597View attachment 2202594View attachment 2202595View attachment 2202596View attachment 2202598

The non-silkies have about 2 months to go. Possibly more since that will be after summer solstice.

 

[aart]

This article has a lot of useful information about signs to look for, age ranges for different breeds, etc: http://craftthyme.com/chickens-will-start-laying-eggs/

Pointing to pullets earlobe, not her wattle.

 

[swamphiker]

Pointing to pullets earlobe, not her wattle.
View attachment 2202739

Indeed, that error is bothersome. But still a good article IMO.

 

[aart]

Indeed, that error is bothersome. But still a good article IMO.

There's a couple good tidbits in there....messing the nests is good sign.
Wasn't impressed with the breeds and age in weeks when they'll lay.