I was told...

[sangel4you]

When I got my white leghorns from the guy who raises them by the hundreds to be layers that they would start laying around 16 weeks, is that correct? Do they usually start right around that time frame or sometimes earlier etc? I'm asking because I dont want to put their nest boxes in the coop until they're soon to start laying and don't know when to put them in. Thanks!

 

[meriruka]

4 months sounds a little early to me. My birds have always begun laying at about 6 months.

 

[becky3086]

Most of the birds I have raised have started at 4 months, except for the egg laying machines, Australorps, they are over 6 months and that hen hasn't laid me a single egg.

 

[Black Feather]

If your worried about the nest boxes just wait until the first egg arrives. After that put the nest boxes up and you should be good to go.

Hens will also color up in their combs, wattles and faces when they are getting ready to lay, so you may be able to use that as a clue to when they are getting ready.

Cheers,
Urban Coyote

 

[ceadar post]

I notice some times with some of my hens that they will go in the nest box and sit there in the box just checking it out. I would put the box in so they are use to it when they are ready to lay. And lo and behold one day EGGS!! Have fun with whatever you decide.