what age?

[gregnlinda]

At what age should I start watching for my chickens to begin laying?

 

[N&MSchroeder]

It depends on the breed. Some of the serious egg layers (leghorns) will lay at around 4 months. The larger breeds lay at 20-22 weeks or later. What kind of chicks do you have?

 

[gregnlinda]

Hi! Nice to meet you. We have 4 cochins, around 10 or so reds as well as 4 austrolorps that are younger than the rest. Cochins are around 11weeks old, as are reds, givej or take

 

[teach1rusl]

My BA began laying aroun 21 weeks (don't have your other breeds). I've read of some breeds laying as early as 17 weeks or so, while others don't start until around 26 weeks - so it varies, even among the same breed. Watch for comb and wattles turning really red, and some squatting behavior when you go to handle them... Egg laying usually starts shortly thereafter....

 

[gregnlinda]

Thank-you! That's helpful to know. Well, watching them won't be hard! I find it very relaxing and peaceful as they wander the yard!

 

[Arielle]

We have recently discovered chickens and delight in sitting down to just watch.

 

[BoltonChicken]

Strange, isn't it? Just sitting down watching the little devils doing their own thing is a very peaceful pastime.

When I was a kid there were hundreds, nay thousands of chickens on our farm. I never paid them any more
attention than if they were grass. Now I sit and watch. Amazing what a few dozen years will do for you.

 

[gregnlinda]

So true!

I was raised in town. Never experienced chickens any more than my dinner plate. How wonderful that nature can teach us so much more!