how old until they start laying?

[vinniepoch]

hi, our chickens are 4 months old and they started making new sounds in the last week. it's kind of a cackeling sound. are we close? i thought they didn't start laying until they were 5 months old. whats up? vinnie

 

[thechickenchick]

Usually around 19 weeks. Some lay sooner though and that sound you hear means its close!

 

[kezabel]

I really depends on the breed of chicken to when they start laying. Our got noisier, their combs and wattles went really red and plump and when we got close to them they squated. these are 3 signs to watch out for the squatting is a real good sign, because this is what they do when a rooster trys to mate with them it means they are ready to lay.

Good luck hope they lay soon

, we still have 2 free loaders but I don't know exactly how old they are.

 

[nicandtroyintown]

Hello From the East Coast!

What breed are they? The larger breeds take longer to start laying. My Barred Rocks started at 6 months!

Trust me, the eggs are worth it. Also, the mount of light they get each day may affect laying. If that's the problem, you can supplement light w/ a bulb attached to a timer. Hope this helps..............

 

[Mahonri]

Average for good layers is 20 weeks. EEs and Ameraucanas and Jersey Giants can take until 25 or 30 weeks.