Question Chicken experts

[This_chicks_place]

I have a question for the chicken experts. This is my first time raising chickens and I'm not sure how to tell when the girls are ready to lay. If my rooster is attempting his duties does that predict who is ready to lay? And then how long until I should expect to see any eggs? They are approx. 14 weeks old. Thanks

 

[klf73]

when the girls start squatting for him when he tries that means you are getting close. It depends on breed at what age they will lay....my ameraucana don't lay till about 9 months

, but my andalusian started laying between 4 and 5 months, production breeds lay younger...what breed are yours?

 

[This_chicks_place]

I have Orpingtons and Copper Marans. He doesn't seem to bother the Marans yet just the Orps. So they will be calmer and basically submit when they are getting close?

 

[Pele]

Yes you are right on track! The hens will squat when approached by yourself or a roo, this means they are reproductively mature. You will also see their faces and wattles brighten up color considerably.

Usually I start watching my sex-link birds by week 16 pretty closely. Some breeds do take a lot longer (I don't expect my EE to lay until week 20, but she could surprise me). The ones you listed should be ready to lay around 18 weeks.

 

[This_chicks_place]

Thank You so much for your answers. I guess I still have a bit of a wait.