How long after the first real chicken noise might they lay eggs?

[DanielleOrbach]

I have two laying RIR's, and 4 14-16 wk old pullets, one of which, the Brahma, just started making big girl chicken noises in the last week. I had read that the Blue Plymouth Rock might lay starting around 16-18 weeks. Both Blue and the Brahma are about the same size and are between the size of the RIR's and the Golden Laced Wyandotte and EE. The RIR's are about 7 months old and were laying when we got them at about 6 months old. None of them are squatting when you approach, still run away, but it could be because we were giving them VetRx to help with some sneezing and snotty noses. I know there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to egg laying, but just curious as to people's experience.

 

[Tyson_chickens]

Each of my chickens and ducks started laying between 6 months to 6 and a half. I guess it depends on the chicken. But one thing I wanted to note is that only 3 of them squatted and the 4th one never did and still never do it. So just cause they don't do it doesn't mean your eggs aren't coming soon!

 

[aart]

started making big girl chicken noises

Do you mean like 'the egg song'?
Average onset of lay is 18-28 weeks for most breeds, some can start sooner or later.
They can start sounding off a few weeks before eggs appear.

Here's some tips on how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[DanielleOrbach]

Do you mean like 'the egg song'?
Average onset of lay is 18-28 weeks for most breeds, some can start sooner or later.
They can start sounding off a few weeks before eggs appear.

Here's some tips on how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Thank you. No, just making bawk sound rather than peeping. We did end up having to check everyone for mites and fleas because one of the RIR's has stick tight fleas on her comb, which sucks, but we got flea and mite spray for birds at PetCo and some Beneficial Nematodes which we are going to apply to the yard soon. During the inspection, we had to check their vent, and both Blue and the Brahma look to have moist vents, so it could be soon. We also had a random egg under the feeder which neither of the RIR's has done and it had a different texture and shape than the ones they've laid previously, so I think either the Brahma or Blue laid it.

 

[DanielleOrbach]

Each of my chickens and ducks started laying between 6 months to 6 and a half. I guess it depends on the chicken. But one thing I wanted to note is that only 3 of them squatted and the 4th one never did and still never do it. So just cause they don't do it doesn't mean your eggs aren't coming soon!

Thank you. Please see my reply to aart to see my semi-update.

 

[Sequel]

Hi Danielle! I just added three new pullets and my Welsummer laid her first egg today! About a week ago she started bawking. So you know the signs! The EE is still peeping and the brown Leghorn is still beeping lol! It's so much fun, isn't it?

 

[DanielleOrbach]

Hi Danielle! I just added three new pullets and my Welsummer laid her first egg today! About a week ago she started bawking. So you know the signs! The EE is still peeping and the brown Leghorn is still beeping lol! It's so much fun, isn't it?

Yes it is. We got another mystery egg the other day, it was mostly white, but none of the breeds, minus the EE which is still peeping, are supposed to be able to lay white eggs. I know some new egg layers can be all over the place though, so who knows. My bet is on the Brahma though.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

I felt dirty watching that video. Wow. but quite informative. I think I'll just wait and see when they lay though rather than seeing how many fingers I can fit across... their uh... butts.

 

[DanielleOrbach]

I felt dirty watching that video. Wow. but quite informative. I think I'll just wait and see when they lay though rather than seeing how many fingers I can fit across... their uh... butts.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I just checked their vents, since I saw one had stick tight fleas on her comb, I figured I'd look all over for mites, and I found some on all. I could also tell the difference between both the RIR's vents and the Brahma and Blue's vents are getting wet, so it's probably soon for them.

 

[aart]

I figured I'd look all over for mites, and I found some on all.

Why it's good reason to check vents regularly.