Sageandonion Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Just wondering whether some hybrid types lay earlier than others or is it just done to the individual chicken? We have 3 hybrids - light Sussex type, black rock and a rhode island blacktail. Of the 3 the black rock started laying last week. The rhode island blacktail crouched today for the 1st time so I'm guessing she's not far off. The Light Sussex hybrid looks the most developed to my untrained eye - her comb is the biggest and pinkest so we all thought she'd lay 1st - how wrong were we! She is the least confident of the 3 and hasn't crouched at all to date. Could we have a barren chicken, if so I'll just have to pretend to ES that she lays from time to time or am I just too impatient!?! They are about 22 to 23 weeks old I think. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 My light sussex hybrid started laying at about 22 weeks. At this time of year they may take a bit longer to start laying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Our bluebelle hybrid started crouching today, I think she's about 18/19 weeks. I think our light sussex pure breed is the same sort of age, but she is behind the hybrid. Her comb/wattles are starting to get larger and redder, but due to being chased by all our girls , I think it might be another 3/4 weeks due to stress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sageandonion Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 Thank you - I won't right her off yet then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 No dont do that I had to wait until my LS hybrid was 26 weeks old - she got there in the end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sageandonion Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 That's good to know, thanks Right now she's pacing up and down the run like some expectant father whilst Peckers is in the nest box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Marjorie my Hybrid LS was one known as Posh Marjorie as in to posh to push She was just over the 40 weeks...Sorry, you may have a while yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eve Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 my hybrids are 18 to 20 wks ive gog a bluebell amber star and a gold star ranger none are even crouching yet. they are so friendly had them 3 wks love brocili.you can pick them up well nugget and bluebell. gold ranger still abit nervous.my 3yr old loves them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Eve, are they starting to get redder in the face, you may not have too long to wait. Your 3 year old will love it when he or she can look for eggs, its so eggciting Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickanne Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 There were 3 months between Thelma laying and then Louise! Nearly gave up on her. The crouching is the give away. Once that starts you know you will get there eventually but the time of year is not helping. Patience is a virtue, so they say! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillM Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 How soon after they start crouching are they likely to start laying? Or is it as long as a piece of string? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 soon I hope. Binnie our bluebelle has just started crouching Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillM Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 My two pepperpots are crouching as of today. The gingernut rangers have a way to go yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sageandonion Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Luna's ears must be burning - she crouched this morning How soon after they start crouching are they likely to start laying? Or is it as long as a piece of string? Peckers started crouching about a week before her 1st small but perfectly formed egg . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillM Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Oooh, goody. I'm looking forward to filling up my egg skelter a little before I start eating anything off it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 I'd say a week or 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eve Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 they arent that red in the face the blubell is quite black so may not tell.chicken nugget as my son called her is pink so hope not to long.they lovely birds.cant wait for my eggs to start comming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...