WHAT AGE?

[misshell]

I have four gold sex links and six buff orpingtons. When will they start laying eggs? I thought it was at about ten months, but was surprised to read on here its around 16 weeks. I'm really not prepared for that as far as the nesting boxes being open. They are 12 weeks old. I don't mind getting things ready if egg laying is sooner than I was told!

 

[happychicken2435]

probably around 4 or 5 months

 

[happychicken2435]

are they showing signs of comb development or squating when you come near them?, these are both signs of a pullet near laying

 

[DaisyG2317]

I have four gold sex links and six buff orpingtons. When will they start laying eggs? I thought it was at about ten months, but was surprised to read on here its around 16 weeks. I'm really not prepared for that as far as the nesting boxes being open. They are 12 weeks old. I don't mind getting things ready if egg laying is sooner than I was told!

The sex links can be early at 16 weeks but the BO probably more like 20.

 

[misshell]

are they showing signs of comb development or squating when you come near them?, these are both signs of a pullet near laying

Some of the girls are developing combs. They haven't squatted, but do come near me more often than usual.

 

[happychicken2435]

photos?

 

[rosemarythyme]

If nests aren't open right now, what's the issue with opening them up sooner rather than later?

If you simply don't have them ready, better hustle with putting some together, buy commercially made ones, or you can use simple things like milk crates or litter boxes instead.

 

[misshell]

If nests aren't open right now, what's the issue with opening them up sooner rather than later?

If you simply don't have them ready, better hustle with putting some together, buy commercially made ones, or you can use simple things like milk crates or litter boxes instead.

I have nesting boxes in the coop, just blocked off so they don't poop in them. Also, I still have two cockerels I need to rehome. I'm not ready for more chicks lol

 

[misshell]

photos?

I can take pics of them tomorrow.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have nesting boxes in the coop, just blocked off so they don't poop in them. Also, I still have two cockerels I need to rehome. I'm not ready for more chicks lol

Are the birds roosting reliably? If so, best to open nests in advance of when you need them, to ensure 1) birds will continue roosting even with nests open (and if not, then you can think about how to keep them on the roosts) and 2) to allow pullets to explore nests so when time comes to lay, they'll give the boxes consideration as safe spots to use.