15 Chickens Mixed Breeds - 28 weeks - No Eggs - Suggestions?

Edcompton

In the Brooder
May 11, 2015
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I purchased the Ornamental Egg layer collection from McMurray hatchery. I love my girls but I had hoped for eggs, 28 weeks and no eggs. Started on 15% layer pellets 2 months ago, they are vocal and show the other signs of laying. Still no eggs. I put a fake egg in the roosting box yesterday, one of the "white ones" immediately started pecking on it,could she be eating eggs? Would I see a trace of that? Breeds include Cochins, Brahama, EE and Lakenvelder....i think, any insight from these pictures would be appreciated.



















 
There's few that look 'red enough'...but 15% layer is not enough protein, especially if you are feeding other 'treats/foods'.

Layer feed shouldn't be given until they are actually laying, the excess calcium can cause problems.

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 Feeding Notes: I like to feed a 'flock raiser' 20% protein crumble to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer. I adjust the amounts of other feeds to get the protein levels desired with varying situations.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided during molting and if I see any feather eating.
 

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