Will they lay eggs this year?

[critterlover]

My hens will be 18 weeks old in mid October. Since the weather here will start to get colder around then, will they still begin to lay their first eggs?

The days will be shorter too and I know that affects their egg laying. I can provide artifical light, but if I don't will it be next Spring before they lay their first eggs? Will that be a bad thing for their health to not lay eggs until they are 10/11 months old?

 

[cybercat]

They should since it is first time. Mine will not start until Nov so do not feel bad.

 

[IDIOT HUSBAND]

Laying depends on a lot of variables breed, weather, health and enviroment. If you have a breed with any egg laying characteristics you should have eggs shortly.