We have 4 week old chicks. We just finished their coop and we are so excited for this new adventure with our chicky babies! I have literally sat here and watched everyone of your wonderful chicken videos... Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
As a 4H poultry leader some breeds do lay within 4-6 months of age. Climate also plays a huge role. Chickens also can be very sensitive to change, which can cause a hen to stop laying. Same with issues like predators around day or night. If a hen feels insecure they will stop laying.
I had 3 hens that layed eggs at 5 months old. They layed every day after that non stop even throughout winter. They are now 2 1/2 years old and have not stopped laying eggs.
Mine are beginning to lay (inconsistently) and they’re 4 months old. I’m excited for when they lay more regularly! So far I’ve gotten itty bitty but beautiful eggs!
I am a 55 year old first time homesteader. Your videos have the much informative for you to raise my new brood of six hens (black astrolorps, buff Orpington and bovines). Thank you for your great videos!
I beg to differ! Thanks to you and your 5 part "super food" diet I've been feeding mine they started laying eggs 3 1/2 months after bringing them home from TS! I'm getting 5 eggs a day from my 6 chickens at 4 1/2 months now! I can't believe it but it's true! I made them a nice coop and run and keep them happy like you said! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!
Omg.5 years ago!! Look at yoouuu! I've got alot of questions and doubts and would love to pick your brain! Edit: also spot on... My hens are 9-10 months... 5 hens (I think) and had 3 eggs yesterday!!! I was so excited. Then got 1 today!!! I'm so happy. Those lil adorable bawkers are so worth it
Becky your videos are so uplifting, I've enjoyed watching. I've been raising chickens for over 35 yrs & before we got married, my husbands family raised laying hens. Mine flock is only about 40-50 (my in-laws had 300). But all the chickens we've raised started laying at 5-6 mos. it could be the region we live in (SW KS). One bit of advice I might add, free-range doesn't mean, they eat only what they find. A good laying mash will help with egg production. Yes, you feed your chickens good. My comment is just in general. I didn't realize that some people didn't think they needed to feed them mash or granules
My Silver-laced wyandotte chickens all started at 6 to 7 months old. The wyandotte/Cemani hens we hatched started at 6 months old and we had little tiny first timer eggs. So cute! The twelve production reds I just rescued from a farm that just wanted eggs. They are said to be 12-14 months old and have been laying and laying and they got rid of them because production reds tend to stop laying a little after two years. Their eggs are amazing.
I am a newbie with Backyard chickens and everything I have read indicates that the beginning laying time is typically around 7 months. Of course, every chicken is different, but for the most part, mine have started at 7 months. A key to watch for is when you go to pet them, they squat. Once you notice this, it won't be long before you start to see eggs. I also noticed that once they lay one egg, you might not get a consistant lay for a couple of days. Seasonal changes and molting can affect the consistancy, but these are all temporary periods. I love to watch Becky and have learned a lot from her videos. However, I would disagree with her time frame of laying beginning at 10 to 12 months.
My Jersey Giants started laying at 5 Months olds. I’m glad I didn’t have to wait almost a year before they started laying eggs😳 They started laying in November and I have gotten eggs everyday since.
I have hens that started laying regular after 24 weeks in warm weather .. I also have 12 hens that are about 30 weeks and not layed one egg yet . But it is winter so that will have a lot to do with it .
Becky, I just thought I would correct you about egg production age. It all depends on breed, some of the commercial hybrids may start laying at 19 weeks old. If you have a heavy breed it will normally take longer to develop, I have a mixed breed hen who is about 10 months old and still hasn't laid an egg, but I also keep Friesian Fowl which are a very light breed and they start laying properly at around 22-26 weeks old, one of my Wyandotte bantams started laying at 20 weeks and laid like a machine for the first year, but now shes permanently broody.
My hen has been raised in the house so far. She is I would guess around 20-22 weeks and has laid 3 small eggs this week. One every other day. I'm proud of her ❤️ Now to get an affordable coop built is my goal.
My 5 RIR and my 16 white chickens from Tractor Supply started Laying Eggs at about 5 months. I have gotten about 70 dozen eggs from them in the last 6 months. I got my chickens in March.
McCuneWindandSolar I realize this is an extremely old thread, however I saw that you mentioned buying white chickens chickens from Tractor Supply. I bought some from Tractor Supply this spring that were mixed in with white leghorns. Do you know know what kind of chickens you purchased? The ones I have have look just the white one in this video. Are yours the same?
I'm a 4-H member of the poultry group and my chickens started to lay eggs at 6 months. Did you know a female chicken isn't called a hen until it is over a year old?
My silkie hen just laid her first egg at 7 months and has been consistent ever since. Even though silkies are know to be late maturers and could easily to take up to a year and a half to lay their first egg.
My Rhode Island Reds have been laying every day since they turned 7 months old and my Black Australorp and Buff Orpingtons have been laying since 8 months old .
I love your style. And advice. Your vids answer my questions as I'm new at raising chickens. Your home stead is dream I've had of my own for many years. But retired at 50 with health issues, it wont happen for me. Do'nt be surprised if one day a donation comes to ensure you can continue to inspire others to follow their dreams. Peace and Love. I wish you the best.
I have to say, as much as I value your videos and advice, I find what you said about young chickens quite *untrue*.. at least in my case. My chickens are ALL *six* months old at this time. I own five, and four have started laying, I currently get an *even* stream of four eggs a day that *rarely* falters. Once the fifth one starts laying, I have no doubt that I'll get an even stream of five eggs per day! More than anything, it depends on *climate* and *set up*. My chickens have a large walk-in coop with a heat lamp to keep them warm, they're free-range, with about 1/9 of an acre to themselves. This more than likely contributes to why they're so comfortable and laying well, but *I wouldn't say that at six months a person will only ever get ONE rogue chicken that lays ONE egg a week or something like that*.
What you say about climate and setup is true. I'm not sure why people are timing their chickens. Mine don't work to a clock. Wait until they have grown a good comb. They won't start laying in winter or late autumn, it will be spring or summer. And, keep them happy.
I have very minimal knowledge about any of this. However, I do know Becky likes to raise organic animal foods. Are your chickens injected/treated with any growth hormones or steroids? Thanks for both of your feedback on how climate and setup affect chicken's production of eggs. If you guys don't treat your animals with hormones or steroids, will they lay eggs sooner if they are treated? Thanks so much!
JTBCOOL1 I don't believe in injecting my chickens with anything at all, which is why I don't. I think that what's best is to just feed them, water them, make sure that they're healthy, clean, and safe, with a nice, warm coop to go to at night or other times when they need it. Letting them take their time is a good route to choose. I haven't seen the effects of steroids and other injections personally, so other than hearsay I couldn't tell you anything.
Jamie Stone i brought my chickens when they were one week old and when they were 5 months old they started laying eggs and never stoped so i agree with u and from what i read fromthe internet chickens start laying when they're 5-6 months old
My barred rock started laying at exactly 5 months to the day and has missed only 3 days of laying..my Easter egger started laying at 6 1/2 months which is normal for that breed I really don't know where your getting your info from(not to be rude)..all my neighbors have had there hens lay from 41/2 months to 7 months
We have several stray flocks around here. One of the flocks hangs out in our yard and we had several batches of babies hatched in hidden spots on our porch over the summer. Since July though, we've seen no eggs. I live in N. Florida. Im hoping for eggs soon, I miss them. I figured with two roosters (brothers, and they get along great) we'd have plenty of activity.
After watching this video yesterday I gave up because our chickens are only 4 and a half months old. Well, today my husband came in with 6 eggs. We have 11 new chickens because last year we woke up to a blood bath with the old set. Something killed 9 hens in one night. So around early March we got a new set. 6 eggs today at 4 and a half months. Wow. Not pullet size either but like a small egg.
Becky youre so inspirational!! Could you do a horse sheath cleaning tutorial? All your horse videos are great and have helped me save money on my baby boy vader. This would help alot! Thanks becky!!
I have Rhode Island reds and black stars. All started laying between 16-21 weeks consistently and haven't stopped. Every new batch of hens I've ever owned have done this. I dont know why your chickens are not laying sooner but your experience is certainly not the norm. Not for me nor any of my friends who raise laying hens.
Hi Becky I got my chickens in late June 2014 and about November they started laying when I got them they were 5 days old. There are 4 chickens and I get about 3 eggs a day
hi Becky I love your videos I finally got some chickens and I guess they're still too young to lay eggs and I am doing the laundry soap already to thank you so much for that video I'm still on my first jug of soap thank you again I wish I could see more of your videos on my phone but I'm using my son's phone right now thanks again Becky
I love your videos and especially your chickens but this one I disagree with. Having raised four different sets of various breeds, I've found 20 to 24 weeks the rule rather than the exception. Even with my buckeyes not being strong layers, they started producing at 22 weeks. If your girls are going beyond 25 weeks to start laying, I would look at their diet and coop setup.
I have a Rhode Island Red and a buff Orpington and my Red started laying about 5-6 in. And it’s been about the same time for my Orpington and she is starting! And Not to be rude, I think 10-12 months is late to start laying..because most chickens start earlier, like mine.
I live in a colder region of the country in the mountains of Southern Oregon. It is December and the days are much shorter not to mention much cooler. My chicken have all stopped laying eggs altogether. I thought this was normal for chickens to stop production in the winter months. I am so jealous that your chickens are still laying, even on the first day of winter like today is. Any input? Jerry
Pine Meadows Hobby Farm What's your setup and on average how cold is it each day where you live? I live in Southern Washington, and my chickens have been egg laying champions. We even got a gigantic egg today.. so the setup and climate is all I can think of as to why your chickens aren't laying at this point. *Edit: If the setup and climate are fine then I'll inform you that it generally is pretty normal for them to stop laying in the winter, however, mine started in late November and early this December, and haven't faltered since!*
McDowall Manor It appears Jamie and Becky have been fortunate. I think I need to add artificial light to extend their daylight hours to perhaps trick them into production. Or need to explore ways of preserving eggs from the fall to use through the winter.
Pine Meadows Hobby Farm I use a heat lamp with a red bulb which not only provides heat, but comforts them and helps them into sleep. They really like it, so that's what I'd probably recommend.
Pine Meadows Hobby Farm I'd tend to just let them go off the lay in Winter. The trouble with keeping them laying is that it puts extra stress on their little bodies, and can result in shorter lives. The hen factories don't care because they get rid of their birds at age two.
I find these comments from this very enthusiastic lady questionable. I have watched all of her videos and whereas she may love chickens, she knows nothing about them. Much of the advice she gives regarding feed and hygiene is dangerous and anyone thinking about chickens should go to a recognised chicken forum/club with their questions. Chickens come into point of lay around 20 weeks of age. From then on and depending on the breed, you can expect regular eggs. Our Black Rocks laid eggs every day from the age of around 18 weeks old. They have an occasional day off but on average, it's about 26 eggs a month from each of them. Admittedly they are a hybrid bred for resistance to disease, cold weather and as egg layers. However, with the right diet (layers pellets and not corn as a main meal) your chickens should be laying eggs from the 20 week point. If your chicken is not laying eggs at at 6 months plus, something is wrong with the environment it is living in or its diet. Diet is critical even for free ranging birds. Do not feed them too much corn as it is junk food and has no nutritional value unless you are breeding for the dinner table. Becky, stop talking and start listening to chicken experts on the various forums. Your advice is given with good intentions but can be dangerous, especially in using sand as a base for your chickens instead of dust free wood shavings or other recognised materials. sand harbours all sorts of bacteria and other nasties that can make your chickens quiet ill. Apart from that, you are very enthusiastic and entertaining. Congratulations.
Hi Becky, another great video. I like your Poncho too. I have a feeling that come spring when you take it off you are going to be skinny aren't ya! I've lost 12 pounds and have about 38 to go. Then I'll probably go for 10 more ;)
Becky, I'm glad you are happy in your log cabin, but are misleading a ton of people. Not only have you convinced a large number of people to shove root killer in horse hooves, but you are misinforming people who are genuinely concerned about their chickens' egg production. Is is NOT normal for a chicken to take 10-12 months to begin regular egg production. In fact, it is not out of the ordinary for a hen to begin REGULAR egg production before 20 weeks of age. So please, do legitimate research before you mislead people.
You make a fantastic point. These people are being extremely mislead. If the majority of your chickens aren't laying eggs until they are 10-12 months old then you are doing something horribly wrong to your poor girls. All of mine have started laying regularly by 6 or 7 months, including my bantams. It's abnormal for them to take longer than 9 months.
@Blue Skies It might be from her experience, but if on average her chickens aren't laying until they are 10-12 months then she really needs to adjust their diet, because they are needing more protein or less grit as chicks.
They need sunlight to lay eggs, you can supplement light/ i have used a small solar light. Hens need at least 12 hours of daylight per day to lay eggs, whereas 14 to 16 hours of sunlight per day will keep them performing at their full potential.
I had chickens when I was 13, and now 64 I finally have chickens again. My wife asked me when they will start laying and I told her my chickens started the following spring. we will see if they start earlier but really don't care.
Becky, I enjoy your video's but my whole flock must be "rouge chickens". I received Production Red chicks (I'd guess they were a few days old) on May 1st. My first egg was on Sept 1st. By 15 Sept I was getting about 12 eggs a day. By 1 Oct I was getting 14-16 eggs a day from 15 hens. The winter hasn't slowed down their production. On Dec 21st I got 14 eggs which is normal. Love these ladies. I let them free range during the day and put them in the coop in the late afternoon. So far I haven't lost one yet. Had a close call w/ a bald eagle, but the girls were able to get to cover.
I built the coop w/ a 50 x 50 chicken run, which backs up to a 50x100 fenced garden. I opened up a section of fence between the garden and the run after I harvested all the crops. I open the door to the coop about Sunrise, and open the door to the run at 0900 to let them free range the pasture. In the late afternoon I walk down to the run w/ some scraps and the girls come running. I do a head count and close them up in the run. I go back down to the coop after dark and any girls that are out in the run will usually come on into the coop when I go in. I do a head count (15 hens + 2 roosters) and close it up for the night.
My rhode island red is 22 weeks old and has laid an egg for the past 8 days. 100% so whatever she says i would take into account all the stuff you hear on a computer.
i have golden cochins 6.5 months old but they are still not laying eggs.....even the rooster doesn't have comb till now I'm giving them organic feed which includes corn, wheat, millet seeds grinded
I guess I'm lucky because my entire flock of 20 females and 2males began laying eggs at 5 months and I let some of them brood and hatch their eggs and now I have about 54 chickens
Don't forget to toss the old shells back to the chickens. They will eat what they need and the rest of the calcium goes back into the ground to help the soil be more rich. This will help the chickens have enough calcium to keep laying and have firm shells. I NEVER feed oysters because of this routine.
i have a fair amount of chickens i have 1 RIR rooster, 1 splash orpington rooster, 1 blue pekin rooster, 1 splash pekin rooster, 1 RIR hen, 1 white star hen, 1 cream legbar hen, 1 white silkie hen (whoes raising a RIR chick), 1 speckled sussex hen, 1 salmon faverolle hen, 1 black orpington hen, 1 buff orpington hen, 1 blue laced orpington hen (all orpingtons are between 4 and 8 years old and the sussex is 7 years old. you can come and check em out on my channel
We have 4 week old chicks. We just finished their coop and we are so excited for this new adventure with our chicky babies! I have literally sat here and watched everyone of your wonderful chicken videos... Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
Jeannie Partin - Viewer beware; I'd take her info with a grain of salt.
As a 4H poultry leader some breeds do lay within 4-6 months of age. Climate also plays a huge role. Chickens also can be very sensitive to change, which can cause a hen to stop laying. Same with issues like predators around day or night. If a hen feels insecure they will stop laying.
give this woman a tv show already
Most of her information is incorrect.
Teagan Brenton no almost all of it is correct
ambybamby yes!!! Omg yes
ambybamby lmao ikr
Incorrect info she has to learn more
I had 3 hens that layed eggs at 5 months old. They layed every day after that non stop even throughout winter. They are now 2 1/2 years old and have not stopped laying eggs.
Sarah Yokom what feeds u used pls?
Mine did too
What kind of feeds do you use?
I use dumor layer crumbles as well as free ranging during the day but they get locked up at night. They also get table scraps.
All of my hens have started laying regularly between 6-8 months old.
gazmot same shes talkin rubish
gazmot also it depends on there breed
gazmot it depends on the breed when they start to lay egss.
Mine are beginning to lay (inconsistently) and they’re 4 months old. I’m excited for when they lay more regularly! So far I’ve gotten itty bitty but beautiful eggs!
What she fails to mention is chickens typically stop laying at 2 and a half years old.
I am a 55 year old first time homesteader. Your videos have the much informative for you to raise my new brood of six hens (black astrolorps, buff Orpington and bovines). Thank you for your great videos!
I beg to differ! Thanks to you and your 5 part "super food" diet I've been feeding mine they started laying eggs 3 1/2 months after bringing them home from TS! I'm getting 5 eggs a day from my 6 chickens at 4 1/2 months now! I can't believe it but it's true! I made them a nice coop and run and keep them happy like you said! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!
We have one that is 4 months and she lays everyday, thank you for all of your help.
Omg.5 years ago!! Look at yoouuu! I've got alot of questions and doubts and would love to pick your brain!
Edit: also spot on... My hens are 9-10 months... 5 hens (I think) and had 3 eggs yesterday!!! I was so excited. Then got 1 today!!! I'm so happy. Those lil adorable bawkers are so worth it
THANK YOU BECKY SOOO MUCH OUR CHICKINS LAYED THEIR FIRST EGG IN 5 SECS THANK YOU!!!!!!!
I dont know what we would do without you becky :)
Becky your videos are so uplifting, I've enjoyed watching. I've been raising chickens for over 35 yrs & before we got married, my husbands family raised laying hens. Mine flock is only about 40-50 (my in-laws had 300). But all the chickens we've raised started laying at 5-6 mos. it could be the region we live in (SW KS). One bit of advice I might add, free-range doesn't mean, they eat only what they find. A good laying mash will help with egg production. Yes, you feed your chickens good. My comment is just in general. I didn't realize that some people didn't think they needed to feed them mash or granules
Becky you are my go to person for chicken questions, I have 4 baby chicks almost 4 weeks old. So enjoying watching my chicks 🐥 🐥🐥🐥 thank you 🧚🏼🪄🐥💃🏻👍🏻
My Silver-laced wyandotte chickens all started at 6 to 7 months old. The wyandotte/Cemani hens we hatched started at 6 months old and we had little tiny first timer eggs. So cute! The twelve production reds I just rescued from a farm that just wanted eggs. They are said to be 12-14 months old and have been laying and laying and they got rid of them because production reds tend to stop laying a little after two years. Their eggs are amazing.
I am a newbie with Backyard chickens and everything I have read indicates that the beginning laying time is typically around 7 months. Of course, every chicken is different, but for the most part, mine have started at 7 months. A key to watch for is when you go to pet them, they squat. Once you notice this, it won't be long before you start to see eggs. I also noticed that once they lay one egg, you might not get a consistant lay for a couple of days. Seasonal changes and molting can affect the consistancy, but these are all temporary periods. I love to watch Becky and have learned a lot from her videos. However, I would disagree with her time frame of laying beginning at 10 to 12 months.
My Jersey Giants started laying at 5 Months olds. I’m glad I didn’t have to wait almost a year before they started laying eggs😳 They started laying in November and I have gotten eggs everyday since.
Your pig is so adorable. He watches you when you talk. I hear pigs are very smart.
I have hens that started laying regular after 24 weeks in warm weather .. I also have 12 hens that are about 30 weeks and not layed one egg yet . But it is winter so that will have a lot to do with it .
What Becky said when your egg breaks easily that’s fake you just have to give them oyster shells😁
you have been a great help to a first time chicken mommy.
I had chickens for like a year know and you helped me grow them your videos are the best
My Orpington started laying at 20 weeks, even some of my bantams started laying at 18-19 weeks, they were consistent as soon as they started laying.
Becky, I just thought I would correct you about egg production age. It all depends on breed, some of the commercial hybrids may start laying at 19 weeks old. If you have a heavy breed it will normally take longer to develop, I have a mixed breed hen who is about 10 months old and still hasn't laid an egg, but I also keep Friesian Fowl which are a very light breed and they start laying properly at around 22-26 weeks old, one of my Wyandotte bantams started laying at 20 weeks and laid like a machine for the first year, but now shes permanently broody.
My hen has been raised in the house so far. She is I would guess around 20-22 weeks and has laid 3 small eggs this week. One every other day. I'm proud of her ❤️ Now to get an affordable coop built is my goal.
I just started with some chickens soo I've been watching your video's and I've picked up soon much information thank you!!
Becky you are looking great!! Keep it up! It's working!!! Not easy, but worth it!!
My 5 RIR and my 16 white chickens from Tractor Supply started Laying Eggs at about 5 months. I have gotten about 70 dozen eggs from them in the last 6 months. I got my chickens in March.
McCuneWindandSolar
I realize this is an extremely old thread, however I saw that you mentioned buying white chickens chickens from Tractor Supply. I bought some from Tractor Supply this spring that were mixed in with white leghorns. Do you know know what kind of chickens you purchased? The ones I have have look just the white one in this video. Are yours the same?
I'm a 4-H member of the poultry group and my chickens started to lay eggs at 6 months. Did you know a female chicken isn't called a hen until it is over a year old?
Right, she a pullet
On week 16 with ours and have got 3, hard shell eggs in the past 4 days. The first one was a double yolk;)
thank you for telling me what to feed my chickens I never know what to feed my chickens
Love your show. I often go through your blogs for advice!
My girls were all laying daily by about 5 or 6 months old. I have a range of breeds.
I what to know more about them am a starter
1:51 yes my "hens" are laying eggs and they are 5 months but I got 24 babies so thanks for the help.
I got chickens sometime around April, and one layed it's first egg just a few days ago.
Laid, sorry
Michelle Wolfenden same
But my chickens were four months old before I got them
My silkie hen just laid her first egg at 7 months and has been consistent ever since. Even though silkies are know to be late maturers and could easily to take up to a year and a half to lay their first egg.
My Rhode Island Reds have been laying every day since they turned 7 months old and my Black Australorp and Buff Orpingtons have been laying since 8 months old .
I love your style. And advice. Your vids answer my questions as I'm new at raising chickens. Your home stead is dream I've had of my own for many years. But retired at 50 with health issues, it wont happen for me. Do'nt be surprised if one day a donation comes to ensure you can continue to inspire others to follow their dreams. Peace and Love. I wish you the best.
It depends on what breed of chicken you have when they start to lay eggs.
I have to say, as much as I value your videos and advice, I find what you said about young chickens quite *untrue*.. at least in my case. My chickens are ALL *six* months old at this time. I own five, and four have started laying, I currently get an *even* stream of four eggs a day that *rarely* falters. Once the fifth one starts laying, I have no doubt that I'll get an even stream of five eggs per day! More than anything, it depends on *climate* and *set up*. My chickens have a large walk-in coop with a heat lamp to keep them warm, they're free-range, with about 1/9 of an acre to themselves. This more than likely contributes to why they're so comfortable and laying well, but *I wouldn't say that at six months a person will only ever get ONE rogue chicken that lays ONE egg a week or something like that*.
What you say about climate and setup is true. I'm not sure why people are timing their chickens. Mine don't work to a clock. Wait until they have grown a good comb. They won't start laying in winter or late autumn, it will be spring or summer. And, keep them happy.
I have very minimal knowledge about any of this. However, I do know Becky likes to raise organic animal foods. Are your chickens injected/treated with any growth hormones or steroids? Thanks for both of your feedback on how climate and setup affect chicken's production of eggs. If you guys don't treat your animals with hormones or steroids, will they lay eggs sooner if they are treated? Thanks so much!
McDowall Manor My chickens started laying in late November and early December.
JTBCOOL1 I don't believe in injecting my chickens with anything at all, which is why I don't. I think that what's best is to just feed them, water them, make sure that they're healthy, clean, and safe, with a nice, warm coop to go to at night or other times when they need it. Letting them take their time is a good route to choose. I haven't seen the effects of steroids and other injections personally, so other than hearsay I couldn't tell you anything.
Jamie Stone
i brought my chickens when they were one week old and when they were 5 months old they started laying eggs and never stoped so i agree with u and from what i read fromthe internet chickens start laying when they're 5-6 months old
My chickens started laying at 5 and 6 months, they are Rhode Island Reds!
My barred rock started laying at exactly 5 months to the day and has missed only 3 days of laying..my Easter egger started laying at 6 1/2 months which is normal for that breed I really don't know where your getting your info from(not to be rude)..all my neighbors have had there hens lay from 41/2 months to 7 months
Thank big help
I recognize what those birds were saying. Those bossy birds wanted some treats :-)
We have several stray flocks around here. One of the flocks hangs out in our yard and we had several batches of babies hatched in hidden spots on our porch over the summer. Since July though, we've seen no eggs. I live in N. Florida. Im hoping for eggs soon, I miss them. I figured with two roosters (brothers, and they get along great) we'd have plenty of activity.
After watching this video yesterday I gave up because our chickens are only 4 and a half months old. Well, today my husband came in with 6 eggs. We have 11 new chickens because last year we woke up to a blood bath with the old set. Something killed 9 hens in one night. So around early March we got a new set. 6 eggs today at 4 and a half months. Wow. Not pullet size either but like a small egg.
My hens have started laying eggs 2 days ago at 3 months Anyway, great video, love your outfit!
Becky youre so inspirational!! Could you do a horse sheath cleaning tutorial? All your horse videos are great and have helped me save money on my baby boy vader. This would help alot! Thanks becky!!
becky you have a cool roster you have the best homestead
Please make your videos more often
I have Rhode Island reds and black stars. All started laying between 16-21 weeks consistently and haven't stopped. Every new batch of hens I've ever owned have done this. I dont know why your chickens are not laying sooner but your experience is certainly not the norm. Not for me nor any of my friends who raise laying hens.
same with mine.
Thank you Becky ❤
Hi Becky I got my chickens in late June 2014 and about November they started laying when I got them they were 5 days old. There are 4 chickens and I get about 3 eggs a day
she needs her own show on discovery channel!
We have bantam chooks and they started laying eggs at 140 days. Eggs weight between 26-32 grams for now.
hi Becky I love your videos I finally got some chickens and I guess they're still too young to lay eggs and I am doing the laundry soap already to thank you so much for that video I'm still on my first jug of soap thank you again I wish I could see more of your videos on my phone but I'm using my son's phone right now thanks again Becky
Becky I love your poncho and scarf; this video is awesome. Thank you for sharing!
I have 20 week old chickens that lay every single day from the 1st day they laid. Hybrids are very well known to lay between 20-24 weeks.
I love your videos and especially your chickens but this one I disagree with. Having raised four different sets of various breeds, I've found 20 to 24 weeks the rule rather than the exception. Even with my buckeyes not being strong layers, they started producing at 22 weeks. If your girls are going beyond 25 weeks to start laying, I would look at their diet and coop setup.
I have a Rhode Island Red and a buff Orpington and my Red started laying about 5-6 in. And it’s been about the same time for my Orpington and she is starting! And Not to be rude, I think 10-12 months is late to start laying..because most chickens start earlier, like mine.
My chicken just started to lay eyes and she is 11 months old I'm happy
My chickens are 20 weeks old and some of them are laying consistently and are laying medium eggs. I have Rhode Island reds and black Australorps
I live in a colder region of the country in the mountains of Southern Oregon. It is December and the days are much shorter not to mention much cooler. My chicken have all stopped laying eggs altogether. I thought this was normal for chickens to stop production in the winter months. I am so jealous that your chickens are still laying, even on the first day of winter like today is. Any input?
Jerry
Pine Meadows Hobby Farm What's your setup and on average how cold is it each day where you live? I live in Southern Washington, and my chickens have been egg laying champions. We even got a gigantic egg today.. so the setup and climate is all I can think of as to why your chickens aren't laying at this point. *Edit: If the setup and climate are fine then I'll inform you that it generally is pretty normal for them to stop laying in the winter, however, mine started in late November and early this December, and haven't faltered since!*
Don't worry about it. Most chickens stop laying in winter. I'm thinking Jamie has been pretty lucky.
McDowall Manor It appears Jamie and Becky have been fortunate. I think I need to add artificial light to extend their daylight hours to perhaps trick them into production. Or need to explore ways of preserving eggs from the fall to use through the winter.
Pine Meadows Hobby Farm I use a heat lamp with a red bulb which not only provides heat, but comforts them and helps them into sleep. They really like it, so that's what I'd probably recommend.
Pine Meadows Hobby Farm I'd tend to just let them go off the lay in Winter. The trouble with keeping them laying is that it puts extra stress on their little bodies, and can result in shorter lives. The hen factories don't care because they get rid of their birds at age two.
wow all my 16 started around 5 months old and kept layin.
Daily?
I have the same Poncho!! Beautiful! Bought it at a Indian Pow Wow 😀
Off topic, I love your poncho!!!
I love Becky.
Omg, love this lady, like a sweet aunty. Lol keep makin' em vids.
I find these comments from this very enthusiastic lady questionable. I have watched all of her videos and whereas she may love chickens, she knows nothing about them. Much of the advice she gives regarding feed and hygiene is dangerous and anyone thinking about chickens should go to a recognised chicken forum/club with their questions.
Chickens come into point of lay around 20 weeks of age. From then on and depending on the breed, you can expect regular eggs. Our Black Rocks laid eggs every day from the age of around 18 weeks old. They have an occasional day off but on average, it's about 26 eggs a month from each of them. Admittedly they are a hybrid bred for resistance to disease, cold weather and as egg layers. However, with the right diet (layers pellets and not corn as a main meal) your chickens should be laying eggs from the 20 week point. If your chicken is not laying eggs at at 6 months plus, something is wrong with the environment it is living in or its diet.
Diet is critical even for free ranging birds. Do not feed them too much corn as it is junk food and has no nutritional value unless you are breeding for the dinner table.
Becky, stop talking and start listening to chicken experts on the various forums. Your advice is given with good intentions but can be dangerous, especially in using sand as a base for your chickens instead of dust free wood shavings or other recognised materials. sand harbours all sorts of bacteria and other nasties that can make your chickens quiet ill.
Apart from that, you are very enthusiastic and entertaining. Congratulations.
My hens are only 4 1/2 months old and are now laying consistently, but it is summer so that could have a lot to do with it.
Hi Becky, another great video. I like your Poncho too. I have a feeling that come spring when you take it off you are going to be skinny aren't ya! I've lost 12 pounds and have about 38 to go. Then I'll probably go for 10 more ;)
I love your videos Becky!
Becky, I'm glad you are happy in your log cabin, but are misleading a ton of people. Not only have you convinced a large number of people to shove root killer in horse hooves, but you are misinforming people who are genuinely concerned about their chickens' egg production. Is is NOT normal for a chicken to take 10-12 months to begin regular egg production. In fact, it is not out of the ordinary for a hen to begin REGULAR egg production before 20 weeks of age. So please, do legitimate research before you mislead people.
Yeah they normally lay at 20 weeks sometimes a little bit long
Yes my chickens started at 4 months they have been laying everyday for the last 5 months and there only 8 months old your right
You make a fantastic point. These people are being extremely mislead. If the majority of your chickens aren't laying eggs until they are 10-12 months old then you are doing something horribly wrong to your poor girls. All of mine have started laying regularly by 6 or 7 months, including my bantams. It's abnormal for them to take longer than 9 months.
@Blue Skies It might be from her experience, but if on average her chickens aren't laying until they are 10-12 months then she really needs to adjust their diet, because they are needing more protein or less grit as chicks.
She might have been giving an estimate!!!!
They need sunlight to lay eggs, you can supplement light/ i have used a small solar light. Hens need at least 12 hours of daylight per day to lay eggs, whereas 14 to 16 hours of sunlight per day will keep them performing at their full potential.
I had chickens when I was 13, and now 64 I finally have chickens again. My wife asked me when they will start laying and I told her my chickens started the following spring. we will see if they start earlier but really don't care.
Becky, I enjoy your video's but my whole flock must be "rouge chickens". I received Production Red chicks (I'd guess they were a few days old) on May 1st. My first egg was on Sept 1st. By 15 Sept I was getting about 12 eggs a day. By 1 Oct I was getting 14-16 eggs a day from 15 hens. The winter hasn't slowed down their production. On Dec 21st I got 14 eggs which is normal. Love these ladies. I let them free range during the day and put them in the coop in the late afternoon. So far I haven't lost one yet. Had a close call w/ a bald eagle, but the girls were able to get to cover.
Thought I'd add that I live in the Black hills of South Dakota. So far we've had a mild winter.
I built the coop w/ a 50 x 50 chicken run, which backs up to a 50x100 fenced garden. I opened up a section of fence between the garden and the run after I harvested all the crops. I open the door to the coop about Sunrise, and open the door to the run at 0900 to let them free range the pasture. In the late afternoon I walk down to the run w/ some scraps and the girls come running. I do a head count and close them up in the run. I go back down to the coop after dark and any girls that are out in the run will usually come on into the coop when I go in. I do a head count (15 hens + 2 roosters) and close it up for the night.
@coldnorthAK yes mine did that and I thought it was just mine lol definitely true!
i have been a fan for a while love your videos, you are looking great too!
We love ❤️ our ISA chickens 🐓
I really enjoy your lifestyle.
My rhode island red is 22 weeks old and has laid an egg for the past 8 days. 100% so whatever she says i would take into account all the stuff you hear on a computer.
love your top in this video Becky :) - Ruthie
Awesome video!
Ha ha ha! That molting chicken looks funny. :]
learning how to raise backyard chickens
All my chickens stared laying at 6 months
Love u becky!!!😂😝
i love chickens i like your videos
Look how much weight Becky has lost! Wow! Congrats!
beautiful wrap!
love your chicken videos
very instructional video
That was so informative! thx
Omg your so awesome. God bless you. 💚
wow, you look 10 years younger, I almost didn't recognize you.
love that pink shawl.
I love your vids Becky keep em comin 😘😘
When chicken are molding it's important that they have at least 12 hours light a day.
i have golden cochins 6.5 months old but they are still not laying eggs.....even the rooster doesn't have comb till now
I'm giving them organic feed which includes corn, wheat, millet seeds grinded
I guess I'm lucky because my entire flock of 20 females and 2males began laying eggs at 5 months and I let some of them brood and hatch their eggs and now I have about 54 chickens
thank you
Don't forget to toss the old shells back to the chickens. They will eat what they need and the rest of the calcium goes back into the ground to help the soil be more rich. This will help the chickens have enough calcium to keep laying and have firm shells. I NEVER feed oysters because of this routine.
That's fine but they need to be broken smaller so they don't recognise it otherwise they will start thinking its food and eating them as they lay
i have a fair amount of chickens i have 1 RIR rooster, 1 splash orpington rooster, 1 blue pekin rooster, 1 splash pekin rooster, 1 RIR hen, 1 white star hen, 1 cream legbar hen, 1 white silkie hen (whoes raising a RIR chick), 1 speckled sussex hen, 1 salmon faverolle hen, 1 black orpington hen, 1 buff orpington hen, 1 blue laced orpington hen (all orpingtons are between 4 and 8 years old and the sussex is 7 years old. you can come and check em out on my channel
how do you remember that man!