How long before we get eggs?

[skeggijon]

We were given some newly hatched Bantams in April - one of which turned out to be a cockerel which our neighbours are really pleased about lol.
Now we're into August I wondered how old they should be before they start laying. They're currently about 18 weeks old.

[Scarlet]

Hybrids start laying from 18 weeks, traditional birds around 26. Often if they haven't started up by now they will wait until early Spring. As a rule bantams don't lay as many eggs as large hens. In fact my silver Sussex bantam probably only lays a dozen eggs in the Spring, broody or just not bothered in the Summer and then a couple for a few weeks before she moults!