How long until they lay after roos begin practicing the deed?

[kentucky dixie]

I have 37 mixed breed chickens. 14 of them are 14 weeks old, the rest are 12 or 13 weeks old. I have been witnessing the alpha roo (and a couple of other brave roos when alpha isn't around) practicing their mating skills. They are still obviously clumsy but they're figuring it out. Alpha is getting much better at it, and actually pinned his favorite girl in the corner of the coop the other day and...well, had his way with her. My question is, how long after the roos start doing this do the hens also mature to the point of laying eggs? The alpha's favorite hen has very red ears and face, she is a white hen of some breed but I don't know what, and I also have some other hens exhibiting the red combs, etc I know it won't be long, but I'm trying to figure out how long I have until I MUST have the nesting boxes in the coop as DH is not always the quickest at getting things done! (hmmm...he's had 14 weeks already, whats a few more, eh?

)

 

[damselfish]

Depends on the breeds, some might start at 17 weeks, some might go to 24 or even longer. I've seen an occasional story on here about pullets starting even earlier that 17 but I think that's pretty rare.

Tell him that he should get on with it before they start thinking about possible nesting spots.

I don't know if it truly matters that the boxes are there early, but my girls have seemed to do some "practice" sitting & bouncing in and out of the boxes before they actually start laying.

Edited: cuz i cant spel

 

[kentucky dixie]

Thanks for your reply damselfish! The good news is, dh built some very nice nesting boxes this weekend, and it appears the girls are enjoying the practicing you mentioned...we put some golf balls i there and they definitely seem to be laying in a nest now instead of just on a pile of straw!

(can't wait, can't wait, can't wait....must wait must wait must wait!)

 

[Judy]

Oh but it will be such a thrill when you find one!

Good for DH! DS was a bit late with them here, and I am finding eggs on the floor, in the corner of the coop under the litter, AND in the nest boxes. Sigh. DH gets his favorite pie for dessert!

 

[kentucky dixie]

dh's favorite pie happens to be a home made butterscotch custard pie that uses LOTS of eggs! Guess he'll have to wait for his reward too, we're close enough now I won't be buying anymore eggs if I can help it!