When do they start to lay?

[TGarcia]

I have 2 hens and 2 roosters and was wondering WHEN the hens will start to lay. They are a little over 5 months old and are EEer's I was told by the lady at the feed store today that they will not lay when it is this hot outside. I live in Texas and it is HOT here. But didn't think that really effected when they would lay.

ANy input would be appreciated. It's been a while since I've been on here. But have REALLY enjoyed my chickens so far. Can't wait to get more!!! LOL

 

[TGarcia]

Also...I forgot to add. Is having 2 hens and 2 roos NOT a good thing. So far we haven't had any MAJOR issues. But I always heard it's best to have 1 roo to about 3 hens.

 

[kcfuerst]

Unless you are going to raise chicks from fertile eggs, there is no need for any rooster. Makes it nice because the gals don't get roughed up by the rooster and will usually stay in better condition. Just think, if you had 4 hens, you would be getting twice as many eggs for the feed you're having to put out.

 

[chickenfever]

Yes, heat can affect egg production negatively.

As for the roosters they say one rooster to ten hens. So, you definitely don't need two. It may not be an issue now, but may become one as they mature more. They could wear the hens (and their backs) out, and they may also fight each other as they get a little older. So, if it becomes a problem, you could always choose your favorite and get rid of the other, or switch them out and keep one separated.

 

[cmom]

Most of my birds started laying from 20 to around 24 weeks. If the comb and wattles are getting red and they are starting to squat, eggs are soon to start coming.

 

[Mahonri]

I've seen EE's wait 9 months before they start laying.

 

[silverswanam]

Im new to the chicken raising i have 5 make that 4 hens since we found out one was a rooster Barred rocks. Anyway the rooster is not always nice to them is that normal? I have a blind hen names Helen and he seems to pick on her too. Since she cant see to run she just croaches down or runs into the wall. Will he always be agressive to them?

 

[TGarcia]

Thanks for the replies. I was telling my husband that I thought it would be better to get rid of the roosters. He would like to keep atleast 1 though which is fine with me.

As far as the wattles....the roosters are definitely red and both are crowing. 1 more than the other so I guess he is kinda like the HEAD rooster. The females are not red, it's more of a tan to light pink color.

It looks like I will be looking for more females in the near future. How should I expect the other ones to react to this? I would like to get ones that are already around the same age, so hopefully it won't be that big of an issue. Anyone have any advice on adding to the flock?

 

[louloubean]

i have emailed quite a few people with hens to sell on craigs list.

 

[chknaddict]

Our EE started between 22 and 23 weeks. We're in SW OK with a lot of heat (100's many days) so I was worried about that, too, but it doesn't seem to be bothering my girls so far.