Pullets are 20 weeks old - will they lay this year?

[soloequestrian]

I have 9 pullets that I hatched in August (well, my lovely broody hatched them really...). We're down to about 9 hours of daylight now (north of Scotland) - is there any chance any of them will start laying this year or will I be waiting for spring? They are a variety of breeds - Buff Orpington, olive egger, Speckled Sussex, CC Legbar, Exchequor Leghorn, Salmon Favourelle and Rhode Island Red.
Thanks!

 

[nuthatched]

Maybe, but if it's going into winter where you are, they'll probably lay in the spring.
20 weeks is still early for most breeds.

 

[Baysidegal]

My girls are 17 weeks old. Live on the coast in CA. What behavior do I watch for to know if they are ready to lay? When should I open a nesting box? I have five hens ( 1 Ameriacuna 2 Domonique 2 buff brahama) how many nesting boxes should I prepare?

 

[nuthatched]

My girls are 17 weeks old. Live on the coast in CA. What behavior do I watch for to know if they are ready to lay? When should I open a nesting box? I have five hens ( 1 Ameriacuna 2 Domonique 2 buff brahama) how many nesting boxes should I prepare?

2 boxes, maybe 3
Their comb and wattles will turn red and they'll start squatting when you go to touch them, eggs are not too far behind then.

 

[HappyDuckie]

If they hatched in August, they are not 20 weeks old. Did you mean 12?