When will my hens lay?

[Jrios58]

My apologies, I bet this question gets asked and answered all the time, but I can't navigate posts well on my phone- anyway, my hens were born around April 1st so they're coming up 4 months old on August 1st. They are white rocks. I know they are supposed to be about 18 weeks old before they lay, but how will the August heat in Texas affect that time frame? 2 have red combs and wattles(?) But the other 10 don't.

 

[Molly Mojo]

Following.

I’m new to chickens too. Most of mine are close in age to yours.

I also live in Texas. NE of Dallas.

 

[Jrios58]

Following.

I’m new to chickens too. Most of mine are close in age to yours.

I also live in Texas. NE of Dallas.

Haha, I'm northwest of Dallas. Did you by chance grow up in Odessa? 'Mojo' means a lot to Odessans!

 

[aart]

Most breeds start to lay between 18-28 weeks old.
Some start sooner, some start later.
Yes, the heat can effect overall health so can also effect onset of lay.
The reddening of combs can be a sign that they are getting close.
Here's some other tips:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/


Because climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor,
you both could add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Molly Mojo]

Haha, I'm northwest of Dallas. Did you by chance grow up in Odessa? 'Mojo' means a lot to Odessans!

i grew up in Lubbock (yuck!). I’m in Princeton now.

Mojo comes from my name. Lol. Molly jones.

 

[Jrios58]

i grew up in Lubbock (yuck!). I’m in Princeton now.

Mojo comes from my name. Lol. Molly jones.

Cute! I went to school at Tech for awhile, a long time ago! (And Permian high before that of course!) Good luck with your chickens! We are enjoying ours and looking forward to lots of eggs!