when will hens start laying ?

[Loretta212]

i have a couple amerecana hens about 5 months old when should i start to see some eggs?
here is a pic of one of my girls

 

[macdoogle2]

Hopefully soon. I've had some start around five months and some made me wait till seven months.

 

[Loretta212]

i just cant wait to see what colors their eggs turn out to be!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Not tomorrow, from that picture. I don't see full signs of sexual maturity yet. When they are ready and not a day earlier, of course. For slow maturing birds, that can be 26 weeks, or well into 2012 for you, it would appear. Hey, if it happens sooner, you'll be delighted.

 

[Mother_Hen2011]

My Easter Eggers didnt start laying till about 7 months old..

They will lay when they are ready. They will do what is called a "squat" when you walk up to them and they will slightly spread their wings and squat down for you to pat their back and rub their tails

That means that they will be laying soon. Also their combs and face will start to turn BRIGHT red

 

[Loretta212]

Quote:
i only see them do that in the giant holes they are digging everywhere lol what do i look for someone said their faces will turn bright red how else can you tell they are reaching that point?

 

[top of the hill]

Quote:
i only see them do that in the giant holes they are digging everywhere lol what do i look for someone said their faces will turn bright red how else can you tell they are reaching that point?

They'll start checking out the nest, red comb and wattles and the tell tale sign... the squat. You'll know it when you see it, trust me!

On a side note, 2 of my ameraucanas started laying around 26 weeks, the other around 30. Patience, it shouldup happen soon. And once they start they will be the most beautiful eggs you've seen!

 

[acw123]

I have 2 and one started laying at about 6 months and the other is still holding out on me and they are almost 8 months old now.

 

[Gerry2011]

This question may well qualify as a "brain fart", but which comes first, the hen ready for laying or the rooster mounting the hen? Yesterday my apprx. 4 month old bcm roo mounted my 8 old blk. Ameracuana hen....well, very briefly because my Am roo ran over and knocked him out of the saddle!

So is she ready to lay or he is just practicing his moves? Her wattles are not prominent like my dellies, so I can't tell by that, but she's certainly old enough. Have not seen any tendency to squat.