When will they start laying?

[whitecra]

I have 8 hens. Two of them are 7 months old and EE and the other ones are 6 months old. I am so ready to see my first egg in the nest.
Chris

 

[chicmom]

Wow, you should be seeing eggs soon! 20 weeks is the average, but different breeds can take longer. Some signs to look for are when the pullets start showing interest in the nesting boxes. They also do a very intense "squatting" pose if you reach out to pet them, and their combs will look much redder.

Be sure and tell us when you get that first egg! Take a pic and show us!

Sharon

 

[TwoCrows]

My australorps didn't start laying till they were 25 weeks old and one waited til nearly 28 weeks. Some of the heavier breeds do take longer to mature. But that is actually a good thing they say. Early layers have more trouble with egg binding and other laying issues. And besides, that first egg will really get you excited since you had to wait so loooonnnngggg!! Good luck!