Texas chickens

[Honeyshens4]

Hi,
I got my first chickens in April. An austrlop, a barred rock and 2 buff orpingtons. I think the two black girls are getting ready to lay, they are 22 weeks, the orps are 21 weeks but don't even look close to mature? Is that normal for them to be so behind developmentally? I'm in texas, could heat be a factor? They ate starter feed till last wee, now they have layer feed and are free ranging. I'm worried about they orps.
Overall they are fun, only the barred rock lets me get close and pet her.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi glad you joined the flock. I would try your question in the behaviours and egg laying section. Different breeds develop and mature at different rates. Be sure to ask lots more questions everyone here very friendly and informative https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/18/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying

 

[Honeyshens4]

Thanks, I'm trying to figure out the website.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X2, breeds and even birds within the same breed mature at different rates, Orps are often slower maturing, so it could just be a breed/strain difference. Give them a good physical exam, and you might even want to post pictures to see if people see anything.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Yes, all breeds mature at different rates. The general guide lines are anywhere from 5 months to 7 months, depending on the breed. And each bird within these breeds will also mature at a different rate as well.

I hope you start to see some eggs soon! Welcome to our flock!

 

[holm25]

Welcome to BYC. I'm sure your birds are growing at the rate they should be.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC!! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

 

[Honeyshens4]

Thanks for the help.

 

[drumstick diva]

It's so hard to be patient like, waiting for Santa Claus.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. I've raised all three of those breeds (still have BAs and BOs) and you have some very calm and gentle breeds. Heat might play a factor in their laying. Black Australorps are more heat resistant than the other two breeds. I raised BAs in CA where summer temperatures frequently reached 117-118 F (123 F once), and while my BRs and BOs were really panting and struggling in the heat, my BAs seemed pretty much unaffected by it and went about their usual business like troopers. Do make sure though that you have shade for your birds, good coop ventilation, and plenty of fresh water. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck in getting those eggs.