Chickens

[Bales147]

Can anybody tell me at what age Cockerals tend to start crowing and at what age hens start to lay, mine are approx 18 weeks old and no sign of eggs or a crowing Cockeral!

Thanks

[wildwood]

Very strange! Cockerels start practicing their crowing even before their voice change, about 6 weeks.
The hens are not far of laying, about 20 to 24 weeks depending on the breed.
Does the rooster have shiny little feathers on its back (saddle) and around its neck?

[terambulan]

chicken and cockerels fleshy crowns on their heads turn red (from pale pink) when they are ready to lay and breed. Dont let the rooster run with the hens though as hens want security to lay.

[Bales147]

Hi

yes i've noticed he's got what looks like greasy/shiny feathers on his neck. I'm abit concerned because I think he was the 'runt of the litter' so to speak. Bless him, he's only got 1 eye and his chest looks alittle deformed!........ I wouldn't change him for the world having said that though.

Because he's a Pekin and the hens are Cochin's I wondered because of his size and disability whether he would ever crow?

[Kleiber]

Not wishing to contradict anyone (would I???), I think it could depend on the breed. I keep Light Sussex, Welsummers and Araucanas and my lads don't start crowing till they're about 20-plus weeks old. Your hens won't be laying yet, either - they're too young. I usually reckon on about 26 weeks before they come into lay properly. (It's very difficult to type this, as I've got a small kitten trying to climb on my shoulder at the moment & snuggle into my shirt to hide from the other cats...!!)

[wildwood]

If they are enclosed in a run it could very well be that because of his shortcomings he may not be the dominant chook in the coop. Watch when you chuck some wheat or corn in the run, does he cluck to call the hens or does one of the hens act like the boss? If he is not the boss he may not feel comfortable or is intimidated into not crowing.

Whatever, most people would give their back teeth for a rooster that doesn't crow. Ideal for a city flock.