Hens breeding to first egg

[Chickenwing77]

Hi, just observed a rooster breed one of my EE's just short of 18 weeks. The hen was submissive. How long from breeding until egg laying?

Could not find this info after searching., Thanks.

 

[sourland]

Generally when hens squat and invite breeding they lay within about 2 weeks. Understand that some girls are just easy and EE generally initiate egg laying later than many other breeds. Good luck and patience on the egg wait.

 

[New2Chicks97]

Our EE girls started laying between 18-20 weeks and have been pretty regular since. Though they also tend to be my girls that like to hide their eggs too. If they can squeeze into a small hidden spot they will lay an egg there.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Hi, just observed a rooster breed one of my EE's just short of 18 weeks. The hen was submissive. How long from breeding until egg laying?

Could not find this info after searching., Thanks.

It's not like with other animals whereas upon breeding, the hen becomes 'pregnant' with eggs........ a hen produces eggs whether there is a rooster there or not when she becomes of age.

 

[Chickenwing77]

It's not like with other animals whereas upon breeding, the hen becomes 'pregnant' with eggs........ a hen produces eggs whether there is a rooster there or not when she becomes of age.

Yes, I am fully aware eggs come regardless. I figured that actual breeding would indicate that egg production is near. The roosters have been chasing them for a few weeks but today the hen submitted, my first time observing this.

 

[aart]

I figured that actual breeding would indicate that egg production is near. The roosters have been chasing them for a few weeks but today the hen submitted, my first time observing this.

Depends on the cock/erel involved.
A 'good' adult cockbird won't mate a female until she is ready to produce eggs,
so that can be a great indicator.
But if it's a randy young cockerel, they mostly want to hump everything without discretion...tho some do wait until females are ready, it's fairly rare.

Hers's some other signs to tell.....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

FYI.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.