[tiny maran]

Hi
Just wondered if anyone could tell me when my chickens will start laying??

We got them as chicks at the end of September - don't know exactly how old they were though!!

We were told they would be laying by Christmas but have had nothing yet.

Does it make a difference that we have a cockrel in with them? (He will eventually get eaten when big enough) He has started crowing ion the morning now if that gives any indication of age.

Anyone any suggestions please??

Thanks

[babe]

if they were chicks at the end of sept, they'll be 16 - 18 weeks approx.

they will come into lay about 20 weeks ish.

but you also have to take into account the shorter days this time of year, so it may well not happen until spring.

[Vember]

Hi & Welcome to the Hen House

The combs will become bright red as they approach laying, another thing to look out for is when you approach them and put your hand down they may squat as if waiting to mated by the cockerel

At this time of year with weather not great and hours of daylight still being quiet short you may have to wait a bit yet 



Sarah

[LoupyLou]

I got my girls at POL in November last year and we have just started getting eggs in the last 2 weeks.....warmer weather usually produces a couple but when there is a frost we can have a day without any. Day before yesterday we actually had 3 (we have 6 girls)

[babe]

Hi & Welcome to the Hen House

The combs will become bright red as they approach laying, another thing to look out for is when you approach them and put your hand down they may squat as if waiting to mated by the cockerel

some never go bright red, and some will go red and still not be ready to lay.

and not all hens will squat ready to mate, only two of mine have ever done that

they will lay when they are good and ready

[tiny maran]

Thank you for your replies.

Looks like i'll just have to be a bit more patient then 

By the way we have 3 girls and 1 cock (for now!!) and they are Cockoo Marans.

Only ever named one of them - Tiny - who was and still is the smallest and was always on her own.

We originally had the mother hen and her nine chicks. We gave  the mother to a friend along with five of the chicks at the end of October - even then we weren't sure which were male and which were female!!

We also have a dog and a cat who now get on well with the chickens. The mother was very protective of her chicks and didn't like them at all which is why we had to give her away.

I think we will get more than enough eggs from the three girls we have left.


Caroline  :happy: