when will my barred rock hens lay?

[barred-rocks-rock]

12 weeks old right now. what age should i expect da first egg?

 

[speckledhen]

Varies by bird, but I've had them lay at 20 weeks and as late as about 25 weeks. They are excellent layers. I have a couple of three and a half year old BR hens who lay several times a week still.

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

wow i didnt now they layed that long

 

[speckledhen]

Healthy hens will lay for years, just at a slower rate. I have had ten altogether, every one a fabulous layer. They are my favorite breed.

 

[mschickychick]

I'd say Thanksgiving!

 

[badgerpendous]

Quote:
We have three BRs. Two are the same age and of those, one started laying at about 18 or 19 weeks, and the other waited until 21 weeks. Our third hasn't started laying yet, and she is 21 weeks old this weekend.

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

when did ur first two started laying hard eggs?

 

[speckledhen]

Mine laid perfectly formed eggs from the start.

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

wow

 

[badgerpendous]

Our first one was a bit small, but otherwise perfectly formed. Since then, we've had a very steady/consistent size except for the one huge egg.

Also, of the two hens currently laying, one lays slightly darker eggs than the other.