When do they lay?

[Alethea]

I'd thought the person who sold us our barred rock chicks said they'd start laying at nine months. A lot of people on this forum talk about laying much sooner. I know breed has something to do with it. Is nine months right or did I hear incorrectly? How old are barred rocks when they start laying?

 

[duckinnut]

I got 4 barreds and they started laying right around 19/20 wks. Once they get up and running they give you an egg just about everyday.

 

[arenea74]

Mine are just starting at 21 weeks old.

 

[ChicKat]

The person I got mine from said they were 5-months old, and they started laying one month later. If I got correct information that would make them 6-months at laying time.

I have heard that 'hatchery' barred rocks lay more frequently and earlier than full bred barred rock chickens. Perhaps mine are part mutt, they don't have bright yellow legs and beaks like the breed standard.

If your hens start a little later, it may pay you on the back end and they may keep producing for a longer laying span than the early starters. As frustrating as it is to wait, it may end up being worthwhile. Perhaps the person that you got them from could clarify if you still have availability to talk to them.

good luck with the outcome.