Rhode Island REds

[TexasChickenDance]

We have 6 - 5 month old hens. When will they start laying? Also, what is a good explanation of broody hens?

Thanks

 

[chicks4kids]

If it was summer they would start laying any day, however, it's winter, so it'll be slow going......it's kinda like a biological clock for chickens and winter time means time to relax....

A broody hen will be a girl that will not get off of a nest. If it's night time and she's still sitting on it.........she's more than likely broody--if you know she normally roosts. For the long and short of it

 

[chickenlittle32]

Broody...also..she would screech at you and may even try to peck ya....lol My RIR didn't start laying until 6 months....but it was warm lol

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

My RIR's have always started laying between 22 and 24 weeks. Keep in mind that this was not in the winter.

 

[catdaddy66]

Keep your beak up!! They will start soon as RIR's are a tried and true breed. The weather and light may be the problem but winter is coming to an end. You could add supplemental light to increase it to th 14-15 hour/day amount and that may help. Good Luck!