Sterile Hen!

[RufusJones]

Anything is possible when you deal with living animals. You just don't get guarantees. It is possible.

But I'll tell a story. I once got true Ameraucana eggs from a breeder and hatched them in March. I kept three pullets. The first two of those started laying in the first week of December, two of them, a couple of days apart. The third one was a couple of weeks later. Nine months from hatch. In December, the shortest days of the year. I do not use artificial lights to extend the days, days were about 10 hours long. Those broke all the rules. Was I getting frustrated? Well, yes I was. I really wanted those blue egg genes in my flock.

When I hatched their eggs, crossing them with my barnyard mix "from production breeds" rooster, their daughters typically started laying around 20 to 24 weeks. That part surprised me, I expected them to take after their mothers.

Will she ever lay an egg? I don't have a clue.

You definitely have a point. Heck, just look at my wife. 2 years AFTER menopause, she turns up pregnant! I'll be drawing Social Security before Baby-Girl starts high school. (my 5 yr-old is the reason I'm not going to be able to butcher this non-laying hen).

 

[NatJ]

(my 5 yr-old is the reason I'm not going to be able to butcher this non-laying hen).

That might not last forever.
If you strike a deal to spare the child's ONE favorite chicken, and if one of next year's chickens becomes the new favorite...
Obviously, it depends on the child, but it works with some children.

 

[The Happster]

According to my records (I keep detailed logs), brown layers are laying by no later than 24 weeks, and Americaunas by no later than 30 weeks. She's at 33 weeks, and we have 11 hrs of sunlight right now.

Easter Eggers - 'Americaunas' - are not a breed, so their egg laying "schedule" is not fixed.

 

[NatJ]

Easter Eggers - 'Americaunas' - are not a breed, so their egg laying "schedule" is not fixed.

True in general, but if someone buys more every year or two, and they always start laying at about the same age, it's reasonable to expect new ones to do the same IF they come from the same source as previous ones.

 

[The Happster]

True in general, but if someone buys more every year or two, and they always start laying at about the same age, it's reasonable to expect new ones to do the same IF they come from the same source as previous ones.

Good point.

 

[RufusJones]

I TAKE IT ALL BACK!!!! That dadgum Americauna finally laid her first egg today!!!! Man, complaining on this board must bring good luck. Maybe I'll make a post about my kids procrastinating on their school work.

 

[aart]

I TAKE IT ALL BACK!!!! That dadgum Americauna finally laid her first egg today!!!! Man, complaining on this board must bring good luck.

I've seen is happen at least dozen times.