rhode island whites

[aafairchild]

Hey All,

At what age should I expect them to start laying? I am thinking they are a slow to mature breed. My two pullets are 6 months old and are just now starting to fill out and look like laying hens. I love them. They are like puppies, but I know next to nothing about the breed.

Thanks
Alice

 

[aart]

Should be soon I would think, not sure if that particular breed starts later than the usual 18-24 weeks, but it might.

Signs of onset of lay---I've found the pelvic points to be the most accurate.
Squatting:
If you touch their back they will hunker down on the ground, then shake their tail feathers when they get back up.
This shows they are sexually mature and egg laying is close at hand.

Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.

2 bony points on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.