new chicken mom

[travis327]

Hi I bought some baby chickens and two ducks about a month ago and since then have loved watching them grow. The antics I see in the pen is really funny. I was worried when a storm came through and rain was intense. I watched out my window and found that they are not stupid......they went into the box. My name is Mary and I never had chickens. I only had dogs but this is really nice. When do chickens start laying eggs and how do you know you have a rooster? My husband thinks there might be three of them. I think there is at least one by the tail feather but they are young yet. I would like to send pics soon.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Welcome.
You should know by 10 weeks or so depending on breed.
They normally start laying between 20-24 weeks. Can be a little earlier or much later depending on breed and management.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

So glad you are enjoying your new flock! Have you stopped by our learning center yet? Lots of helpful tips there on all the aspects of keeping poultry...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

As for whether you have a rooster or not, you can post his pic in our What Gender section for help with the sex of the bird..

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/15/what-breed-or-gender-is-this

Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!

 

[sourland]

Hi, Mary, welcome to BYC. When you get a chance, post pictures in the gender section in the link provided by TwoCrows.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Sounds like you are having fun with your flock! TwoCrows gave you some helpful links.

 

[lgrems]

Hi Mary, Welcome to the flock. I have dogs, chickens and ducks. My chickens were about eight months old before they started laying.

 

[gander007]