Laying Patterns-

[MizAmberLea]

We’ve got two 6 month old Saxony hens that we know are finally laying.
And we also have Five four month old hens (2 Cayuga and 3 Saxony) and two 4 month old drakes.

My question is-
Is it possible that the younger ladies can/will start laying at 4 months old due to the influence (biological and or behavioral) of the two older hens?

 

[LilyLoo]

I cant answer the question, sorry. Just wanted to say beautiful ducks and nice pond set up.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Are you seeing mating behavior out of your younger ones? If not then they may not lay till spring. With my Runners and Buffs I saw the girls giving the drake the come on once mating started then the eggs appeared about 2-3 weeks later.

 

[Loopeend]

Laying at 4 months is really young; compared to average.
I have had some that started laying at 4 months old.
It's not really different as humans. Average age is 12-13. Some are 9 and some are 16. No problem.

If there is an 'average' it will also mean that there are exceptions. And it is often biological. Luckely for chicken/ducks it is a good trait to lay eggs a.s.a.p.