/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    If you're already a member of our community, click here to login & click here to learn what's new!

Mating and egg laying age

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by sparkles2307, Sep 3, 2009.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Sep 3, 2009 #1
    sparkles2307

    sparkles2307 Terd of Hurtles

    6,025
    6
    251
    Oct 23, 2008
    Northwestern Minnesota
    If my 18 week bantam cochins are mating, and the pullet is a willing participant, does that mean eggs are very soon to be forthcoming?

    My other 18 week old barred rocks have all turned red in the face and comb EXCEPT one, who is still that yellowy orange pink juvenile color. So, I should start watching for eggs in odd places, right?
     
  3. Sep 3, 2009 #2
    buddy#2

    buddy#2 Out Of The Brooder

    28
    0
    22
    Aug 25, 2009
    Perry County, PA
    Most chickens start laying around 5 to 6 months of age. They will lay without the rooster mating with them. The color of the comb and wattles is a sign of health. Should be a bright red, sometimes will be more pale red if the hen is broody.
     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2009
  5. Sep 4, 2009 #3
    kathyinmo

    kathyinmo Nothing In Moderation

    24,510
    210
    388
    May 14, 2009
    (SW MO) Nevada, Missouri
    My Coop
    sparkles .... Yes, I was told that the bright cherry red comb and waddles was THE SIGN .... along with, "the squat." Mine are 17 weeks old, and I, too, am seeing red ... [​IMG]
     
  7. Sep 4, 2009 #4
    sparkles2307

    sparkles2307 Terd of Hurtles

    6,025
    6
    251
    Oct 23, 2008
    Northwestern Minnesota
    LOL I know they will lay without a roo, but I thought that if they were willing being mated they might be at the age where laying is around the corner. The poor roos, I have 25 pullets that are just not old enough to go in with the older ones, but I have 5 hens and 4 roos...and the roos are fighting...just started 2 days ago...so now I gotta pull 2 out again...which isnt so bad I like having chickens in more than one pen it makes the barnyard look more alive.
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by