When did they start laying?

[elletee89]

I have BYM and Olive Eggers hatched in June. When would you expect them to start laying? Some of my girls are getting real red in the face and I have PTSD from roosters! Lol! Wondering if my girls are getting closer to laying?

 

[ClickityChick123]

So they're about 12 weeks? I'm not a professional, but, in my experience, they should start laying anywhere from 18 to (I'd say) 24 weeks (I think).

 

[elletee89]

So they're about 12 weeks? I'm not a professional, but, in my experience, they should start laying anywhere from 18 to (I'd say) 24 weeks (I think).

I think they’re 14-16 weeks. So hopefully in November! I’m thinking I need to put a light in the coop? Our days are feeling real short here in Canada lol

 

[ClickityChick123]

Putting a light defintely encourages my hens to lay more in the winter months.

I also haven't raised olive eggers much, and egg laying differs with every breed, so that's probably it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have BYM and Olive Eggers hatched in June. When would you expect them to start laying? Some of my girls are getting real red in the face and I have PTSD from roosters! Lol! Wondering if my girls are getting closer to laying?

Olive eggers are not a breed, just chickens (probably crosses) that the pullets would be expected to lay an olive egg. No breed tendencies there except for hopefully eggshell color.

If your roosters are the same age as th epullets you do not have roosters. You have immature hormonal driven cockerels. Don't read anything about the pullets laying eggs from their behaviors.

I've had pullets start laying at 16 weeks of age. Not many, but a few. I've had pullets not start laying until they were 9 months old. You just don't get guarantees with chickens.

One thing that can affect when they lay is the days getting shorter or longer. The days getting longer encourages them to start laying. The days getting shorter discourages them. If you are north of the equator the days are getting shorter so that is working against you. But the ones that started after nine months started laying in early December, the shortest days of the year with the days still getting a little shorter. You really don't get guarantees.

One sign that they night be getting closer to lay is that the combs and wattles turn a brighter red. It is not a guarantee but it is a really good sign. With some of yours turning red it may not be that long. But the only time I can guarantee that one has started is when you find an egg.

Good luck! Trust me, you are not the only person going through this.