snowchick Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Hi Another stupid question. We have 6 hens - had them just over a week now - they were all 18 weeks when we picked them up. When will they start laying? We have covered over the nesting boxes, should we be doing this or should we leave them uncovered? Also what do we fill the nesting boxes with - straw? Sorry again for all the questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellekatz Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Hi Snowchick Most hybrids start laying when they are about 26 weeks or so, pure breeds can take longer. You will know when they are about to start laying when they begin to crouch and flatten themslves when you go near them (they think you are the cockrel!) If yours are only 19 weeks I would say you probably have a little while to go yet. the eggs will be worth waiting for though As for the nestbox, I use Hemp/Auboise in mine which you can get in a big bag from horsey shops and it lasts for ages. I would leave the nestbox uncovered or maybe just cover at night to stop them getting into the habit of sleeping in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Hello Snowchick - no question deemed stupid on here . I got my three girls at 17 & 19 weeks. One laid 10 eggs at 21 weeks then stopped till 31 Jan (39 weeks ). The other two started laying at 28 weeks. Depends on the chicken basically . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...