Younger than advertised?

[KMedley]

So yesterday I became a chicken owner and I bought 2 laying hens from a man near me who said he purchased chickens without knowing it was against his town’s code. He said they were 8 month olds, one Golden Comet and one Barred Rock.

After picking them up, I determined the one he said was a Barred Rock is actually a Wyandotte, which that doesn’t really bother me.

But, this afternoon they each laid an egg, a tinyyyyyy egg (38g and 39g). So now I’m wondering, since both of these breeds are supposed to be laying medium to large eggs (45-50g) could these be newer layers? They seem like big birds to be just starting to lay but I guess it could be possible. What are your thoughts?

Pics: #1 Golden Comet (Doris)
#2 Wyandotte (Karen)
#3 two small eggs
#4 one of the small eggs next to my friend’s 52g egg

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

At 8 months they would still be considered new layers. It can take the better part of the first season for eggs to enlarge. You generally see the bigger eggs during the second season and beyond.

 

[KMedley]

At 8 months they would still be considered new layers. It can take the better part of the first season for eggs to enlarge. You generally see the bigger eggs during the second season and beyond.

Thank you! I still have so much to learn. That makes a lot of sense, thank you for your reply

 

[aart]

Don't be surprised if you don't get any or many eggs in the next couple weeks.
Those egg were already in process when you got the birds.
Moving stress can stop laying for a time.

I love the look of Silver Laced Wynadottes...mine were also very sweet, but their eggs were always on the smaller side.

 

[KMedley]

Don't be surprised if you don't get any or many eggs in the next couple weeks.
Those egg were already in process when you got the birds.
Moving stress can stop laying for a time.

I love the look of Silver Laced Wynadottes...mine were also very sweet, but their eggs were always on the smaller side.

The Wyandotte is definitely the leader of the 2, and was pretty skiddish that first day. Yesterday she ate so gently from my hand and allowed me to pick her up and look her over. I imagine she is going to be very sweet as well! Thank you for the advice, Is there anything I can do to help ease the stress for them?

 

[aart]

Is there anything I can do to help ease the stress for them?

Just stay calm and collected.....and patient.
Sounds like she's pretty settled if she'll eat from your hand.