When will my bantams start laying?

[tillybilly]

Hello!

I have 11 bantams currently, there are 8 hens and three cockerels. The breeds vary from Sebrights, Cochins, Silkies, and D'uccles. They are around six months old now.

I've heard that around six months bantams start laying, but currently none of my hens are laying yet. I definitely have noticed that their combs and waddles appear brighter ( which I've heard indicates egg laying maturity) and they definitely have inspected the nesting boxes, ( they are above ground.) But they don't sit in them, they rather just look.

I am very much looking forward to hatching out and breeding these birds, so let's just say I'm a bit excited.
But if you guys have any suggestions/ advice for some encouragement just let me know!

 

[nuthatched]

When they're good and ready, which is exactly 6 business days after you given up hope.

 

[tillybilly]

When they're good and ready, which is exactly 6 business days after you given up hope.

 

[tillybilly]

I think at this point in chicken-keeping they are my only hope! Haha

 

[Slothinc]

One thing to watch for is if they start squatting down when you approach them. Usually when I see this behavior, they are within a week or two of starting to lay.

 

[tillybilly]

One thing to watch for is if they start squatting down when you approach them. Usually when I see this behavior, they are within a week or two of starting to lay.

They haven't squatted yet, but my roosters have definitely found their way to them.

 

[Slothinc]

They haven't squatted yet, but my roosters have definitely found their way to them.

Really are they being mated? But no eggs yet??

 

[tillybilly]

Really are they being mated? But no eggs yet??

Yep, no eggs

 

[Slothinc]

Yep, no eggs

Hopefully very soon! Usually the roosters don’t mate them until they are ready to lay.. there are exceptions though.

 

[tillybilly]

They also love sleeping in the nesting boxes, so it's not like they haven't been introduced or they are too high.