Laying already?

[syble]

My 4 week old jumbo grow out pen had an egg in it this morning. a tad on the small side, not by much though. is it normal for them to lay at 4 weeks? I wasn't expecting eggs for another 2-4 weeks!
Sib

 

[7L Farm]

Take em when you can get them.

 

[MobyQuail]

wow. I thought ~40 days was fast, must be the daylight hours? wow.

 

[syble]

so thats not average then lol. I was concerned that if 1 started, they might all start. I'm not prepared for 30+ eggs a day from quail lol. most of this group is slated for camp kenmore lol. I was just very surprised when i went in there to fill their waterer that there was an egg.

 

[TheRealTimShady]

Quote:
so true

 

[syble]

What would be the waiting period before those eggs would be good to collect for incubating.(more are laying now)
Thanks

 

[shelleyd2008]

It is not the norm, but it can happen. My jumbos were always the last to start laying at 8-10 weeks, but I did have an english white who started laying at 4 weeks 5 days of age.

If you have seen the males breeding or heard them crowing you can try hatching them whenever you want. The first few hatches might not be that good, but you should get a few from each. Or you could wait a month or so until you KNOW the boy/boys is/are doing the job and set eggs.

 

[joe125]

It can happen, though pretty early. Mine usually lay at around 5 weeks, but I do sometimes have early bloomers. Just keep doing what ever you are doing!

A small "STARTER Egg" is common. Give them another week or two to settle in.

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
this has been my experience too they start at 5-6 weeks out

 

[ssbs]

I'd wait a couple weeks before hatching any eggs.. I doubt the boys are breeding at such a young age.

But, you could always crack a few open and check for fertility