When will they start laying???

[LJMcLaughlin]

I bought 4 new hens about 6 weeks ago, said to be 3 to 4 months old. Was told they are New Hampshire "crosses" (have NO idea what That means). So now they are about 4 to 5 months old, & haven't started laying. I had one older hen from a previous flock that they joined, and she lays about 5 eggs a week. So I figure she has shown them what to do & where. Can anyone give me guidance on this?

 

[igorsMistress]

They may not lay until they're about six months. It varies.

 

[want2know]

6 months is pretty standard, and as far as where they lay, they know what to do, if they have a sheltered area with nesting material they will lay, it takes 6 months for a hen's egg laying machine to mature enough to begin. Be patient.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi, welcome to BYC. Be sure to introduce yourself in the New Members section. No doubt you have lots of questions, so you've come to the right place! There are lots of friendly, knowledgeable folks here happy to help!