Re: When should I expect my first eggs?

jewels wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> Well to give you an update. Foghorn my limping bald leghorn is much
> better. I think she may have been going through a moult as she has
> lots of new feathers growing through [and that would explain why my
> best layer stopped laying!] Her limp is barely noticable and after
> being segregated from my six new pullets for about 8 days, she has
> established herself back as top hen but the other hens appear to be
> happy with her and she with them.
>
> All the new pullets go up into the ark now except one whom we've named
> 'thicko', but now when I put her on the ramp, she trots up there.
> I've estimated they are approximately 21 weeks old now but still no
> eggs.
>
> What is the usual age for hybrids to start laying?

Commercial hybrid strains in the UK [for example ISA brown, Lohmann Brown,
Warrens, etc] in ideal conditions [ not so easy to produce outside :~)] are
getting earlier and earlier - so I would have expected them to have started
by now. Some strains which may not be available to the domestic keepers are
starting at 17 weeks. -- poor little things
Free range commercial types like the Black Rock I would expect to be
colouring up nicely at 21 weeks and even tho the light is against them would
expect eggs in the next week or two.
What these new designer birds are capable of - heaven only knows - I
understand it can be VERY hit and miss.
The likes of the Leghorns etc any time between Christmas and Easter
depending on your light conditions and whats in their breeding
They have had rather a traumatic time so things may be have been delayed
What hybrid are they?


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