Rooster mating with 18wk pullet, to young?

[ga*chick*]

Well I noticed my 4yr old Buff Orp Roo paying attention to the young ladies today (they are 18wks) They were running away from him of course. Then this evening on their way back to the coop he caught one of my Cochins and did the deed. Is 18 weeks to young?

I know it is a strange question but I don't want him hurting the young girls..he has 4 older hens to play with.

 

[gritsar]

No, he's probably going after them because they are about to start laying.
The pullets will be fine. They may not be too happy about it at first, but they'll be fine.

 

[Akane]

Nope. My standard EE started laying at 4months. Several of my japanese bantams have started near that age too. Now my dark brown layers take forever. Many of them weren't laying at 6months. It depends on the breed and individual as to when they are ready to lay.

 

[ga*chick*]

Well I did notice that a couple of them were finally getting fluffy butts. Would be nice if they start laying before it gets cold.