When are Rhode islands hens supposed to start laying

[trizzle]

We just acquired some rhode island reds and they are 4 months old.
what is the time frame for hens to start laying?
and what is the best type of feed for these chickens?

 

[Judy]

I'd buy a bag of layer pellets and start looking for signs of laying to begin in another month.

 

[trizzle]

What are "laying" signs? We are new at this. Thanks.

 

[trizzle]

oh and what are layer pellets? can you get them at any farm supply store?

 

[Leghornmum]

You can get layer pellets at just about any feed store, and I think even wal-mart sometimes sells it... it's best to start out with 10% layer pellets, and make sure to give them plenty of grit to break down the food in their stomachs! You will probably find a small egg in the nesting box soon...congrats!

 

[BeulahBreezes]

I was told when I bought my peeps, they would start laying eggs at about 20 weeks of age! They are 19 weeks old this week.....can't wait for those eggs!!!! ~Beulah
(Oh, btw, I feed the gals layer pellets too...organic/no gmo'd ingredients. Lots of left over veggies and fruit go out to the chickens too!)