Hens Laying Eggs

[Virginiapeeps]

I know you do not need a rooster to have hens lay eggs...But I was told recently that my hens would not lay eggs while the rooster is around. That I would have to seperate the rooster from the hens. Is this true?? I bought my hens "Good friday" from tsc and I was thinking they would start laying sometime in the fall.....that would be 6 months. Does that seem about right?
I really would have to create a whole new place for the rooster, if I have to seperate them...and that create a problem with DH.

Thanks !!

 

[a2ms4chickens]

You do not need to separate the rooster from your hens

Hens lay eggs whether there is a rooster or not, and they will probably start laying eggs at about 18 weeks.

Enjoy your chickens!!

 

[vnploveschickens]

Not true.

My rooster is out in the pen or run while the girls are in the coop laying their eggs.

No worries.

 

[cassie0980]

I had a hen that would only lay if her boyfriend was in the coop with her. They would go in together, and HE did the triumphant clucking for her (she must have been too tired!). Then they'd step out for a bite to eat before running like mad for the pine trees!

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Different breeds of hens lay at different times. Sex-links lay at 4 months or sooner. All my weird ones are late maturing and I don't honestly know when they'll lay.

My laying hens have three roosters and they lay with or without them around.

So ditto what everyone else said.

And remember that the next time that person tells you something about chickens... Maybe they had an experience like that, and they attributed it to roosters. Who knows. Grain of salt there...!

 

[Mr_Jeff]

There's no reason to separate them. The hens will lay if he is around or not. Roosters seem particularly disinterested with the laying process.

 

[Virginiapeeps]

Thanks so much for everyone's help. I was in a mild panic when I was told this....my ddh was not happy....but I calmed him down and explain to him that I would ask the gang on byc....because they would know exactly what I could do.

...So the rooster is staying right where he's at!!!! Thanks!