what's the age I can expect my chickens to start laying eggs

[ThenewRoosterintown]

Half of my flock is about 5 to 6 months old. When can I expect to start seeing them producing eggs? And is there anything I can do to promote them to start laying eggs?

 

[andreanar]

Anytime now. Do they squat when you put your hand above them? Showing a lot of interest in the nest boxes, and very red combs and wattles, and mine always got pretty chatty when they were close.

 

[alexa009]

My Australorp began laying at 4.5 months. I knew she would because she would squat when being petted and she had fast growing comb and wattles.