When will they start laying?

[momofchicks]

I am new at this and I am so excited about my chickens and getting eggs, I know it's early as my chickens are only 7 weeks old but when do they start laying? I have RIR, Dominiques, Delawares and EE's. Do they all start at the same age, or does it matter what breed they are? I have 4 nesting boxes and 11 chickens (not all hens) is that enough boxes? How many times a day do I need to check the boxes for eggs?
Thanks.

 

[arlee453]

While it can vary widely, the breeds you mention are usually laying around 20-23 weeks of age, IF they are getting enough daylight (which yours will be when they get to that age). If they are maturing during the winter it can be a bit longer unless you add a light to the coop to extend the daylight hours a bit for them.

Watch for the combs and wattles to get really red, and the 'squat' when you pet them on the back - those are signs they are mature and will be laying soon.

My wyandottes and dominiques and BRs all started laying right at 20 weeks.

 

[blurose]

All I can say for sure is it won't be soon enough.

Also, they won't start laying any faster with you constantly watching them (this I know from experience)

After 3 years here the feeling of "Christmas comes daily to the henhouse" still hasn't worn off.

 

[amysue2012]

lol I currently have 9 nest boxes and they all use 1! I check my once a day, late after noon. 6 hens now and I get 4-6 eggs a day.

 

[Dawn419]

Hi and Welcome to BYC!

Our EE's began laying at around 21 - 22 weeks old last year (just over 4 months old).

You have more than enough nesting boxes (1 box per 4 hens). I check for eggs several times a day...but only because I'm home all day. Depending on the hours you are away from home, once or twice daily checks do just fine.

Dawn