Hi my Buff Orpington is 28 weeks old and hasn't started laying, can someone tell me what the heck is happening? She hasn't done the squat but she is a full grown chicken.
Buff Orpington not Laying?!
- Thread starter hicksfamily
- Start date
I would ask where you got her from, some lines, especially show bred lines won't start until 8-9 months, usually a hatchery bred Orpington hen will start around 5-6 months, are you sure it's a hen and that she isn't laying in a different place than the nestboxes, is her comb and Wattles bright red and large.
Post a pic.
Signs of onset of lay---I've found the pelvic points to be the most accurate.
Squatting:
If you touch their back they will hunker down on the ground, then shake their tail feathers when they get back up.
This shows they are sexually mature and egg laying is close at hand.
Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.
Tho I have found that the combs and wattles can look full and red one minute then pale back out the next due to exertion or excitement, can drive ya nuts when waiting for a pullet to lay!
2 bony points(pelvic bones) on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.
Signs of onset of lay---I've found the pelvic points to be the most accurate.
Squatting:
If you touch their back they will hunker down on the ground, then shake their tail feathers when they get back up.
This shows they are sexually mature and egg laying is close at hand.
Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.
Tho I have found that the combs and wattles can look full and red one minute then pale back out the next due to exertion or excitement, can drive ya nuts when waiting for a pullet to lay!
2 bony points(pelvic bones) on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.
My buff laid at 38 weeks, and the other took 40 weeks. Be patient, she will get there
X2, some hens will wait till spring to start laying, especially if you are in a colder climate.
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