Mating at 12-weeks of Age

[DollyWolly]

I witnessed my rooster mating with one of my hens. All of the birds are only 12-weeks old. Is it possible for a hen to be mature enough at 12-weeks? Will the behavior of the rooster hasten egg laying of this hen or the others?

 

[junebuggena]

The rooster's behavior will not make your girls start laying any faster. Roosters develop and mature much faster than hens. If anything, his attention to girls in this manner, may stress them and delay laying.

 

[DollyWolly]

Thank you for the info. I am concerned about him stressing the girls. I have a small flock - 3 hens, and in error, 1 rooster. He's a pretty cool bird (Lakenvelder) - I received him as a mystery bird from the hatchery. I am considering relocating him to a farm were he better suited.

 

[aart]

Thank you for the info. I am concerned about him stressing the girls. I have a small flock - 3 hens, and in error, 1 rooster. He's a pretty cool bird (Lakenvelder) - I received him as a mystery bird from the hatchery. I am considering relocating him to a farm were he better suited.

Excellent idea...... the sooner the better, for the pullets sake.