2 Questions?

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
just wondering what age about do hens start laying? Mine are around 13-14 weeks old now.
Also my chicks are a week old now (photo of them in pics of chickens) and I'm just wondering how to start weaning them off the heat and when? I know it won't be yet, but just need the know. Thanks very much.
Natalie x

 

[Deleted Account]

Hi
not sure about the heat - never having raised any (yet) - but they seem to start laying 20 weeks plus - more for little bantams
Venessa

 

[snifter]

At least 4 weeks, if not 5 or 6 before they no longer need the heat. They don't have their feathers through yet so its too soon atm. If its nice weather and you have a secure run you can put them outside on a sunny day for a bit as they get older. But heatlamp still at night. Although once bigger you could switch it off during the day if its warm.

As I don't know what sort of chicks you have its difficult to know how they will grow and mature.

Pullets usually lay from around 20 weeks, but often some breeds won't begin laying till the following spring (I find Pekins tend to take this long as they are seasonal layers).

 

[Tim]

Hi Natalie,

Totally agree with the above comments - but didn't you say 13-14 weeks? Did you mean days?

If it's weeks then of course they should be fully feathered and in no need of heat in this climate.

Cheers.

Tim

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, sorry bit of confusion here, I have 4 Pekin chicks in the house on heat so now i know when to start weaning them off the heat but i also have 3 hens outside and wondered when they usually start laying. I currently have a Light Sussex, a Silver Spangled Hamburg and a Fresian (I think?). there about 14 weeks plus. very friendly may i add and great pets.
Natalie x

 

[snifter]

I'd not expect the 14 week old ones to start laying till around 20 weeks plus. Depending on the season (and breed) they may not start laying till next spring.