When will they start laying?

[KaelaM]

I have two red sex link pullets. They are about 14 weeks old and I was wondering when they will start laying. I also wanted to know if it is normal for them to not be using the roosting poles. They sleep in their nesting box and I have never seen them use the roosting poles.

 

[karlamaria]

you needed to block those nests and not allow them in there. So at night now, pick them up and put them on the roost, and if they go back to the nest block them off and put them back on the roost. do this each night until they begin to roost. they will lay when there waddles are bright red and there comb is bright red, look for eggs between 17 and 22 weeks. when you go near them and the duck down in a stooping position, thats a good sign there about ready. but for heavens sake get them out of those nests now. they will poop them up and mess your eggs up. they belong on a roost now so its going to be your job to put them on it each night now. mine refused to roost either, they laid in a huddle on the floor. each night I went in and put them on the roost, on day five they went up them selves. nest boxes are for laying not sleeping in

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Some will start laying from 4 to 8 months old. If they are sleeping in the boxes, check for mites on the roost bar- it's the beginning of mite season. Roost mites come out at night but go in the cracks during the day, so you won't see them; but the hens will feel them.



Good luck.