When do they start laying??

[Hamptons06]

I have 6 pullets that are just about 20w old. 2 RIRs, 2 LBs and 2 BOs..... about when should I expect them to start laying?

Also.... how many nesting boxes should I have for 8 pullets/hens?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Probably soon? But people post that some of theirs take another month. I'm pretty sure I read that up to 4 will share a nesting box, so you would need at a minimum, two. Mine are at 17 weeks and I'm already getting excited about eggs.

 

[Hamptons06]

Yay Chicks! :

Probably soon? But people post that some of theirs take another month. I'm pretty sure I read that up to 4 will share a nesting box, so you would need at a minimum, two. Mine are at 17 weeks and I'm already getting excited about eggs.

I have 2 older hens that are almost 2yo and I get eggs daily from them (RIR and BO).... but I don't know what we'd do with so many eggs.

The funny thing is, when we got them at the feed store, I thought for sure at least 1 or 2 would be roos... but all 6 ended up being pullets.

 

[33yardbirds]

Our Barred and Buff Rocks are 18 wks today. My wife is in and out of the coop so much she will turn into a chicken. I keep trying to tell her leave 'em be for a couple more wks. She gets out of sorts when I call them welfare chickens. I am actually thinking they'll start the end of Aug. 22 23 wks. The coup de gra will be when I stroll in the house with the first egg.

 

[Olive Hill]

I've had them lay as early as 18 weeks and as late as ... well, never. There was one hen who had an impromptu date with destiny at 36 weeks and never did lay an egg. They lay in their own time, on their own schedule.

 

[mgw]

if there combs and wattles are red they are close to laying. We got our first egg yesterday you need around 3 or 4 nest boxes they will find the ones they like best. hope they dont keep you waiting to long!

 

[Hamptons06]

Quote:
I was JUST telling my DH's gpa today about their facial features turning red meaning that they are close. Glad that was a fact.

I was noticing that 4 of the 6 are very red. One was making some clucking sounds in the coop today.

 

[mgw]

Quote:
I was JUST telling my DH's gpa today about their facial features turning red meaning that they are close. Glad that was a fact.

I was noticing that 4 of the 6 are very red. One was making some clucking sounds in the coop today.

you are definitly criticly close to your first egg.. The red comb and wattles were the only sign we had, no sqauting no egg song or anything . Just checked and checked and all the sudden an egg yipee!! No doubt you are close!!

 

[Jasmine1998]

I got my first egg at 17.5 weeks yesterday from my barred rock named Frack, her sister Frick is very close. I have one BO named Pepper that is very close & possibly one of the Wyandottes. Otherwise the others seem no where near ready to lay.

 

[harveyhorses]

I was just going to do a search about red/pale wattles! Only one of mine has turned really red.
So I guess she is just ahead of the pack? I can stalk her without feeling silly?