waiting... 20 week old pullets... I'm getting anxious! UPDATE! AN EGG!

[rhaj]

I have 3 RSL (golden comets?) and a hatchery RIR that are 20 weeks old. I've read that these types of birds can start laying earlier than other types... but nada!! I did see 2 brown feathers in a nesting box, so maybe soon??

I have one silkie (she is older than the rest) that's already laying, so I hope she will serve as a good example.

UPDATE: AN EGG!!!!

 

[emys]

Are you paying close attention to overall diet protein levels? I think this is a common problem among back yard chicken owners due to having few birds and a desire to make their diet fun and interesting for both the birds and ourselves.

By that I mean, if the primary food of the birds is layer feed at 16% protein, but they only eat it 70% of the time, because the other 30% of their diet is fruit or scratch, at 1% protein or 10% protein then they are really getting a diet of 11.2% plus anywhere from 0.3% to 3% for a overall dietary total of between 11.5% to 14.2% which may not be enough protein to allow for egg development.

I know I didn't grasp this concept right away when I first started, but it is important.

 

[rhaj]

Nope, they eat 16% layer food. I don't give them scratch or any scraps. All they get is mealworms sometimes for treats. They didn't like BOSS. They "eat" sand in the run, but I guess that is just their grit.

 

[7L Farm]

Well I have 6 RIR that are 22 weeks & Nada. Well , at-least you have one laying. Guess there's nothing we can do but keep waiting.

 

[emys]

Guess it's just genetics then. You will have to wait it out. Only other thing that might keep them from laying is stress, but doesn't sound like that is a factor for your birds.

 

[gryeyes]

My suggestion is to do what I did: not expect eggs until at least 24 weeks. That way, if they lay earlier, you can be happily surprised, and if aren't laying by then, start investigating to see if you have some of the later maturing breeds.

I was pleasantly surprised by one pullet, but the others were "right on time" at 24 and 25 weeks.

 

[rhaj]

Quote:
That's the thing though, I don't have late breeds, I've read from others that they can be really early... guess not mine specifically though!

 

[trunkman]

keep checking your nest boxes, I'll bet any day now!

 

[LauraG]

My Golden Comet is almost 21 weeks and I got nuthin either.

I think the suggestion is to "start looking" at around 20 weeks and hope for the best.

 

[CMV]

My earliest Golden Comet layer started at 19 weeks. Another Golden Comet hasn't even started yet and I believe she is about 23-24 weeks. My RIRs just started in the past week, but not all are laying yet either.

It's not a good thing when birds start laying too young. They will frequently have more problems, and usually die younger from some egg-laying-related malady. Be thankful your girls are going to be fully mature when they start laying. It means there will likely be fewer problems for you and them down the road.

Good luck.