[redspookycooky]

Hi i have a maran who`s 23 weeks old, a legbar whos 21 wks and a sussex and jersery giant who are both 19 wks old, any idea when any of these will start laying? Expected something off the Maran but nothing so far, thanks. 

[Casey76]

As pure breeds, I probably wouldn't hold my breath for eggs this year, you might have to wait until next spring.

Marans are quite slow maturing, and aren't really classed as POl until about26-30 weeks, and by that time it is actually moulting season.

However, you might be lucky and still get a couple before winter.

As for the JG, for sure I wouldn't expect any eggs this year

[Lindeggs]

I have two Light Sussex pullets and they have both started laying in the last week.  That makes them at least 35 weeks old - possibly older!  I got mine in summer and had to wait until spring for them to start laying (our seasons are 6 months different to yours so we are just at the end of winter/beginning of spring now.)  So I think Casey is right and you're likely to be waiting a while.

There are advantages to pullets being a bit older when they start laying.  Mine have all started very well, with excellent egg size and none of the soft shells or other odd eggs often reported from new pullets.  In part I think this is because their bodies are fully mature before they start laying.

Good luck and I hope you get at least a few early eggs.  But there's really nothing you can do except wait and see.

[vanessa.xx]

Oh man i have 2 welsummers, 1 light sussex, 1 cream legbar and 1 orp all about 22 wks i was hoping for some eggs this year  but now i suppose not
the worse thing is everyone i know asks me have you had any eggs yet whenever i see them   

[Lindeggs]

...the worse thing is everyone i know asks me have you had any eggs yet whenever i see them   

Yes I had to deal with this too.    I developed a series of stock answers to wheel out when people asked me.  For example:

"No, they are just babies still.  They will start laying when they've had time to grow up."

"Eggs are a seasonal food just like fruit and vegetables.  Egg season begins in spring."

"They have a calendar int heir coop that says they can't start laying until after the shortest day. I tried turning over two pages but they weren't fooled."

[redspookycooky]

Thanks, a bit sick now though was sure i`d have some this summer, but fingers crossed that they surprise me
Think i`ll have to use some of those, cos that`s all people ask me about and i`m sick of saying there too young or not ready yet