Quick egglaying question.....

[TAMMACLEAN]

I have a 16 week old Jersey Giant and a 16 week old Plymouth Rock. I also have 13 week old Cochin, Plymouth Rocks and one that I'm not sure what she is. Should I put the nesting boxes in the coop and about what age do some chickens start to lay eggs? When should I change the food and what should I change it too? I also have some 8 week olds out with them too.

I have noticed that my 16 week olds have been sounding and acting a little different. More vocal and a little different sounds. My kids said they heard my 13 week old Cochin sound different too.

Any opinions and advice is welcome!

 

[terryg]

It doesn't hurt the older girls to get chick food, but it will hurt the chicks to eat laying hen food, so if they're all eating from the same feeder, wait another month. You can start feeding laying hen pellets around 16 weeks of age. I have a FAQ about feeding here:http://hencam.com/faq/what-to-feed-your-chickens/
It was good that your hens have learned to roost before giving them access to the nesting boxes. As long as they are now roosting every night, you can put up the boxes. Some hens lay as early as 18 weeks, others 22 weeks. Enjoy those first eggs!