When will they lay?

[IamRainey]

My girls are only 13 weeks old but I've noticed that they now sound more like chickens than doggie squeeze toys. And one of them -- who used to be the smallest of my tiny flock of 3 -- is growing rapidly now with a more prominent comb that's beginning to take on color. Still, I understand that they will need to be about 20 weeks old to be mature enough to lay.

Twenty weeks for them will be mid-December. And, as I understand it, that's a time when chickens normally would stop or slow down their egg production. So, does that mean I'll likely be waiting until the Spring? Waddaya think???

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are their breeds? They should start about a month later than the general expected start date for their breeds. They will lay at a decreased rate, than should reach peak production by March to May.

 

[IamRainey]

Thanks for your help!

They are a Plymouth Rock, a Cream Legbar and a Barnvelder.

Where would I find an expected start date by breed? This is the first reference I've heard to such a thing.

 

[aart]

You could probably find an age of lay per breed, but there are other variables.
Average onset of lay for most breeds is 18-28 weeks.
High production hybrids(sexlinks, leghorns) may start earlier.
Pure breed heritage breeds may start later.
Pullets coming into lay during the 'dark season' may take longer to begin laying due to shorter daylight hours. Using supplemental lighting can help, but that's a whole nother story and not a guarantee.

The best answer to 'when will they lay?' is 'when they are good and ready'

 

[IamRainey]

The best answer to 'when will they lay?' is 'when they are good and ready'

Yeah. I guess that's what I just have to accept.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks for your help!

They are a Plymouth Rock, a Cream Legbar and a Barnvelder.

Where would I find an expected start date by breed? This is the first reference I've heard to such a thing.

Plymouth rocks generally start between 5-6 months and barnevelder are 5-7. The legbar I have no experience with.

 

[aart]

One of my legbars just laid her first at 21 weeks....but I am using supplemental lights.