Hens not laying yet.

[nkimay]

First time chicken owner. We have 2 red-sexlinks that are 18 weeks old and 2 golden comets that are 21 weeks old. They all have bright red combs for several weeks now. Haven't seen any squatting. We have one rooster(EE) that is 18 weeks old. He is very ready, but my hens scream and run from him! No eggs yet!! We were told they would start laying around 16 weeks. Is this normal? When will they lay?

 

[sourland]

16 weeks although not an impossibility would have been 'way' early. Around 22 weeks old is a more realistic time frame give or take several weeks. Patience, they will lay and lay well.

 

[junebuggena]

Also, if the rooster is causing them too much stress, they will not lay. Stress is very bad for production...

 

[nkimay]

Thank you. I will try to keep being patient!!!