Road island reds

[Ladybluearm]

I have 7 road island reds, they are about 5 months old, when can I expect some eggs! I am patiently waiting.

 

[Perris]

Soon...look for reddening and growth of the comb, and squatting behaviour when you approach. Once they start, you should get eggs through winter, while older pure breeds stop laying, so it's all good really

 

[RWise]

Do you use lights? The days are getting shorter and this tells them to shut down for the winter. I use lights (in A.M. set for 13.5 hours daily) to keep a few girls laying, and to help convince the young girls to start. Young girls will start at 4 - 12 months,,,

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

My RIR and Black Australorp just started laying at about 24 weeks old.
I also have NHR that, at the same age, is squatting and her face is red but her comb is still small and her pubic bones are still to close together. So she could be a while.
You just never know.

 

[aart]

when can I expect some eggs!

When they are darn well and ready!
It's hard to wait for sure.
Here's some tips on how to tell.....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[Capoken]

2 of my 4 RIR from mypetchicken started at 20 weeks. They are 21 weeks now and I am still waiting on the other 2.

 

[Riverwood Farm]

We have 7 RIR's here too. First egg was at 19 1/2 weeks, second hen started a day before she turned 23 weeks, and the other five are still free loading. We're happy here though, as we've gotten 20 eggs so far total and they're only going on 24 weeks. The local 'chicken expert' at our local TSC says there is NO WAY reds will start laying before 26 weeks. I guess mine didn't get that memo.

 

[Ladybluearm]

Mine are real spotty, I only found 1 egg yesterday and 2 on Sunday, I guess they will pick up as they get a little older, I hope anyway.