How old until a hen begins to lay?

[mrsgibber]

This is probably out there, but I can't find it....but I have five month pullets and would like to know when I should expect to see them start laying?

 

[dave_Cash69]

it varies on the breed;
what breed are your pullets?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

I have has some start as early as 5 months and others waited until they were 8 and 9 months. It all depends on the bird.

 

[gritsar]

Depends on the breed and somewhat on the individual chicken. Five months is a very loose rule of thumb. A few early bloomers will go earlier than that, some will be much later.

 

[RW19290]

An egg layer breed usually starts to lay around 5-6 months of age. Some take longer than others. I've heard that silkies will start laying at 1 YEAR OF AGE.

 

[mrsgibber]

Oh great, then it could be any time now. I have five that include:

Rhode Island Red
Buff Orington
Ameracuna (spelling?)
Austerlop
Partridge Rock

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Yep, you better get the boxes ready.

 

[Mahonri]

Quote:

 

[mrsgibber]

Ok, now I'm even more excited....I thought I was gonna be waitin' a few more months at least. Glad I started them on oyster shells right away!