When do chickens start laying eggs?

[bcjlemaire]

Hello,
We have Bantams and Dixie Rainbows (or is it Rainbow Dixies?) . We have 6 of them and are new at this. We're having fun learining, thought! They are about 7 to 8 weeks old now and we're getting ready to put them in a coop. However, we live in Colorado and the weather will sometimes still get to freezing at night and we get snow this time of year. Supposed to get some snow this Saturday (That's called Springtime in the Rockies!) So, I'm just worried that its too cold to put them outside, unless we have a heater set up? And I don't know when they start laying eggs. Can someone help me with this? I know Bantams lay smaller eggs? And are a smaller bird. Because they Dixies are way bigger than the Bantams.

Thanks so much.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Chicks can handle any of those temps at 8 weeks of age if acclimated. Put them out.
Most breeds begin to lay between 18 and 26 weeks of age. They start earlier between winter and summer solstice than they do after summer solstice. Decreasing day length delays onset of lay.