my chicks are 16 weeks old and nothing yet

[captjinx]

I have 6 chicks 1 barred rock, 2 production red, 2 road island reds, 1 Americana, 1 young American roo, and one moran rooster. I have no eggs yet. my sisters chicks are the same age and have been laying for 4 weeks. Then I was just given 2 more chickens, one was the picked on chick of another flock, the poor thing has no feathers from her head to her back, and another young rir that is terrified. Any help is appreciated. I'm a first time by chickener and could use any hints or advice ya'll have.

 

[QueenMisha]

I can guarantee you your sister's chickens did not start laying at 12 weeks old. The very earliest a hen will lay is 16 weeks, but these pullets are few and far between. The average age is 20-24 weeks.

You need to apply anti-pick lotion to any picked out birds, to prevent further picking or cannibalism.

 

[LovinAK]

I second the suggestion on anti-pick lotion. I bought some called pick no more and it smells like tea tree oil. I think it smells wonderful but the birds hate it. I have Light Brahmas with the feathered legs that were pecked bloody and that stuff did the trick. No need for separation if you just make sure the other birds are not bothering her and apply the lotion twice a day.

Also, don't feel bad, I have 20 hens that just turned 18 weeks. No eggs and only half of their combs and waddles are bright red while the others are still light pink and small. I think that's supposed to be an indication that they are about to lay.

All breeds start to lay at different times and I've heard the average is 20ish weeks or longer.

 

[QueenMisha]

I second the suggestion on anti-pick lotion. I bought some called pick no more and it smells like tea tree oil.

Pick-No-More is the brand I use as well, it's excellent.