laying age?

[newchickmom]

Can someone with australorps give me an idea when they should start laying? And what do I need to do before they start to get ready? Mine are 16 wks old now.

 

[kayri]

My Australop (Tips) was the first of my chickens to lay at about 18-20 weeks.

I guess you need to build a few nest boxes, if you haven't done so already, (depending upon how many hens you have) and I started feeding them all layer pellets also.

good luck, the first egg is so exciting!

 

[newchickmom]

Thank you, I have 20 hens and 1 roo and 8 nest boxes. I was wondering how soon I should start them on the layer feed. A couple of them have combs that are starting to get a little darker red. I have 1 with a really odd looking comb, it is very small and dark instead of pink.
I am getting very excited about getting my first egg.

 

[newchickmom]

Anyone else with australorps? Is 18-20 wks the norm for them? Does kayri have gifted hens?

 

[okiechick57]

Mine were about 23 weeks old when they started......now waiting for them to start again after molt and cold weather ! start layer feed after they start laying