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All or most of the breeds in my signature started laying around 20+ weeks and I even had one (McMurray Red Star) start laying at 17 wks. The "slowest" were the EEs and Wyandottes - closer to the 24 wk mark. I've heard, but don't know if its "fact", but sometimes the time of year you get the chicks affects how slow or fast they mature. I get mine in early April and by Sept they are laying.
Speaking of chicks, have any of you bought "extra" chicks and later sold them at 5-6 wks old - when fully feathered?
If you have, are there certain breeds that people like better than others?
I want to try 1 each of some heritage breeds, but I don't want to take the risk of loosing of them in shipping or the first few weeks. So, I was thinking of adding an "extra" 1 or 2 chicks to each of the breeds, and if the "extras" are alive and healthy by the time they're feathered out, I could sell them.
The pullets I'm thinking of adding are: Dominique, Partridge Chantecler, Speckled Sussex, Buff Orp & Rhode Island White;
I haven't decided which breed of rooster I want so right now it's: Partridge Chantecler, Speckled Sussex & New Hampshire.
If any of you have experience with these breeds or would like some of the "extras", feel free to e-mail or PM me.
I have Partridge Chanteclers now - got them in May and they just started laying a week or so ago = 7-8 months old. They are smaller than my Australorps, tiny comb and wattles, nice birds, non-aggressive Rooster.
I have had Sussex also. They are VERY friendly birds. The hens would fly up into my arms when I opened the gate scaring people that didn't know they wanted to be held!
Wonderful Roo too. Decent layers too.
I have a Buff Orpington hen that is now about 5 years old. She layed quite well for the first couple years not sure if she lays anymore. Goldie is a great girl, very friendly.
Never had RI white's. I do have 3 RI RED's though. Great girls and great layers but mine are not "show" birds. Definitely hatchery girls.
All or most of the breeds in my signature started laying around 20+ weeks and I even had one (McMurray Red Star) start laying at 17 wks. The "slowest" were the EEs and Wyandottes - closer to the 24 wk mark. I've heard, but don't know if its "fact", but sometimes the time of year you get the chicks affects how slow or fast they mature. I get mine in early April and by Sept they are laying.
Speaking of chicks, have any of you bought "extra" chicks and later sold them at 5-6 wks old - when fully feathered?
If you have, are there certain breeds that people like better than others?
I want to try 1 each of some heritage breeds, but I don't want to take the risk of loosing of them in shipping or the first few weeks. So, I was thinking of adding an "extra" 1 or 2 chicks to each of the breeds, and if the "extras" are alive and healthy by the time they're feathered out, I could sell them.
The pullets I'm thinking of adding are: Dominique, Partridge Chantecler, Speckled Sussex, Buff Orp & Rhode Island White;
I haven't decided which breed of rooster I want so right now it's: Partridge Chantecler, Speckled Sussex & New Hampshire.
If any of you have experience with these breeds or would like some of the "extras", feel free to e-mail or PM me.
I have Partridge Chanteclers now - got them in May and they just started laying a week or so ago = 7-8 months old. They are smaller than my Australorps, tiny comb and wattles, nice birds, non-aggressive Rooster.
I have had Sussex also. They are VERY friendly birds. The hens would fly up into my arms when I opened the gate scaring people that didn't know they wanted to be held!
I have a Buff Orpington hen that is now about 5 years old. She layed quite well for the first couple years not sure if she lays anymore. Goldie is a great girl, very friendly.
Never had RI white's. I do have 3 RI RED's though. Great girls and great layers but mine are not "show" birds. Definitely hatchery girls.
