pullet question

[magentamomma]

I have about a dozen pullets hatched in september. when can I expect them to lay. They are all mixed breed or EE. I guess I am wondering if being fall babies will make it a longer wait. also, i am seeingg their wattles and combs start to redden, is that a sign sexual maturity might be arriving? I just can't remember from my first batch of hens last year.

 

[jeremy]

It usually takes anywhere from 5 to 6 months for most birds to start laying. A bright red comb and wattles are a good indication that the eggs will be coming soon though!

Also, I've heard that Easter Eggers tend to be slower to mature and can produce at a later age.

 

[magentamomma]

Thanks. MY FIRST BATCH WAS LAST YEAR. tHEY HATCHED IN FEBRUARY, AND STARted laying in july. I didn't keep record books though so I can't remeber the exact timing. Plus with it being winter i didn't know if that would further delay developement. I am hoping to start getting more eggs soon.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I'd say on average around March. There are several factors that could make it longer or shorter.

 

[Cornychick]

I got some pullet chicks the first of september also and I noticed that 2 days ago, two of them are starting to squat and my two roosters that are the same age had thier first schoolyard brawl. So I think eggs are possibly in our near future.

 

[magentamomma]

Quote:
Same things going on here. I am really hoping they start to lay in February. My birds are such a money pit right now. I am having to buy eggs. I didn't realize how log they stop laying in winter, so my hopes are resting on these girls.

 

[Cornychick]

You are right about the money pit! LOL. I have been lucky with my 5 girls that are 9 months old. They started laying in october and have continued. I have supplemented thier light though. I am hoping to get some fertile eggs from my bantam cochins to hatch.

 

[magentamomma]

i can't run electricity to them because of the coop location or i would have. Maybe for the next winter.

 

[gsim]

Earliest I had was at 16 weeks. It was a golden comet. By 18 weeks a third were laying and by 20 nearly 3/4 were. My crippled runt barred rock just started today at close to 7 months. Her little egg looked like a brown Robin's egg.

 

[Tala]

I have some hatched late September and early October. One of the Sept 27th pullets has been red-faced for a couple of weeks, so I crossed my fingers.
I saw one of her hatch-mate cockerels jump her the other day, she still protested loudly, but she must be getting closer for him to be doing that!!!

I figure it could be as late as "spring" before they start to lay, but this one girl may be an early bloomer! They are about 18 weeks old.