Rhode Island Red Heritage Breed Laying Questions

[steve232]

A while back I was able to get 5 Rhode Island Red Heritage Breed pullets. (there were also two roosters included) Wonder if anyone here can tell me about what age I can expect them to begin laying. Right now they are about 18 weeks old. Also are they good consistent layers and how do their eggs compare to the hatchery breed of Rhode Island Red.

 

[junebuggena]

They usually start laying between 5 and 6 months of age. They are decent layers, producing about 4 to 6, large brown eggs a week. Hatchery birds lay a bit sooner than heritage birds, and they also lay a bit better. The biggest differences are in the temperaments and brooding abilities.