Should I count on a Hen to start laying at 20 weeks old?

[Shadow Source]

Hello!!

I have a question for people have raised Partridge Rock Chickens before. Should I count on a Partridge Rock hen to start laying at 20 weeks old? Right now my hens are 18 weeks old, and their combs are beginning to turn red. I am scheduling hatches for people, and I really need them to start laying at exactly 20 weeks old. Should I tell the people to wait? Or should I count on them to start laying?

Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would hope for it but not count on it. Most rocks start at around 5 months of age. It is early in the year so they may mature more quickly.

 

[21hens-incharge]

In short no.

They lay when they are mature enough.
Even then most likely the eggs won't be fertile for a while.

How old is your male?

 

[Shadow Source]

In short no.

They lay when they are mature enough.
Even then most likely the eggs won't be fertile for a while.

How old is your male?

Same age as my female. He is crowing.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Same age as my female. He is crowing.

Given his very young age I really doubt you will have loads of fertile eggs for several months.

Those young boys are very uncoordinated lol.

 

[Folly's place]

Your pullets will start producing eggs when they are ready, usually by 24 weeks of age, but maybe later, and it's normal. These early eggs will be small, and not worth trying to hatch.
Patience!
Mary

 

[aart]

Should I tell the people to wait?

Tell them to wait.
Best not to hatch pullet eggs until they've been laying for at least a few weeks.

 

[Shadow Source]

Tell them to wait.
Best not to hatch pullet eggs until they've been laying for at least a few weeks.

Okay thanks!!