Shouldn't they be laying by now?

[Jaimi]

I got 4 chicks (~1 week old, one RIR hen and 1 EE hen) the week of March 17. Well, they still haven't started laying yet. Is there a problem or are they just slow? Does having 2 roosters cause problems? 'Cauz I have 2, but I havent seen any fighting of anything...
Just wonderin'

 

[arlee453]

It's not time for them yet. Most heritage breeds don't start laying until at LEAST 20 wks old, and many times 22-23 weeks is more typical depending on the breed and time of year. I've got a bunch that were born around March 5th and am still waiting that first egg from those girls, and not expecting it until next week at the earliest.

Now, some will surprise you with an egg sooner than that, but I have learned not to expect eggs until week 20-23.

As far as the rooster question. If you have only 4 chickens total and 2 are girls and 2 boys then you may end up with trouble as they mature. The usual ratio is 5 hens MINIMAL for 1 rooster. Any fewer than that and you may end up with bare-backed, worn out girls.

But, there is the rare exception where you can have small numbers like that and they all get along too. Just watch them and be prepared to separate out or give away/cull your roosters if necessary for the health and well-being of your girls.

 

[MsBentleyboy]

If I calculated correctly, you have 20 week olds? (that's about 5 months and most will start anywhere from 4 to 6 months). You may have a few more weeks to go. If it's too hot... they may delay some. I'm still waiting on two of my 5 month olds to start laying now..... it's nerve racking isn't it.

 

[purr]

well I'm not an expert but I believe some hens don't lay till 20 wks

 

[silkiechicken]

Most birds are going to be 5 months or so, but some breeds, can take 8 months if not longer for their first egg. Don't hold your breath now!

 

[milleryardchx]

i hear you! my 5 1/2 month old Ameraucana has yet to lay her first egg!!!

 

[chickenlickin8]

Your girls are only a little over 4 months so you have at least a few more weeks before you see production. Watch for the signs....comb and waddle become larger quickly and turn bright red. They will start "squating"...meaning responding to the advances of the roo(s). You should only keep one roo with only 2 hens though. Mine started laying then stopped, then started then stopped....waiting for them to lay is painful

Good luck!

 

[MsBentleyboy]

"comb and waddle become larger quickly and turn bright red."


That's interesting to know.

 

[mom wewantchicks!]

Quote:
i was just getting on here to look that up! i thought i had read that! i have 2 41/2 month old BA and i have noticed the past two days they have gotten really red on the comb and wattles,does that mean i should be expecting eggs?

 

[Tailfeathers]

Most everyone has already hit on the normal 20-24 week laying period so I'll just add that you are oftentimes better off if they aren't early layers. Oftentimes early layers can develop other problems like pro-lapsed vent later on. I had that happen with one of my BO's. Of course, laying eggs that were actually, literally, truly bigger than our duck eggs, didn't help!

I understand your anticipation though. I have several Welsummers that were born in early March and a dozen Blue Wheaten/Wheaten Ameraucanas that were both on April 1st. No foolin! We are trying out best to patiently wait for a new dark brown or blue egg to show up in a nest - but we're not rushing things.