Is it common....

[JayWhit]

I have ISA browns who are approx 14weeks old. I've heard they should start laying eggs anywhere from 15-20 weeks. Is this true? And my other question is it common for them to poop in their laying boxes? I'm new at this and prob getting over-worried. Just excited for that first egg and making sure I got things right. Thanks for any responses.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

My ISA Browns begin laying in the 17-18 week range.

At the age yours are I would not let them into the nest boxes. They're too young to need them and they'll only try to roost in them at this point. If they do they'll naturally drop manure in them.

 

[cmom]

My earliest egg from my Isa Browns was at 16 weeks but generally around 18 to 20 weeks. I agree with Alan, don't let them get into a habit of sleeping in the nest boxes or you will have poopy eggs. I would block off the nest boxes.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Just one more ISA Brown keeper chiming in. The advice above it smack on.