18 weeks old. Where the **** are my eggs?

[Living_Legend]

4 Dominque
3 Buckeye
3 Wyandotte

 

[A.M. Eggs]

If you feel under the chickens butt you will feel two bones. If the bones are able to fit 3 fingers between them they will lay soon. If not, you may have to wait a little bit longer.
Another way is if the chicken squats when you push down on her. Don't force it but gently push down. If her wings lift up and her head moves down, she will lay soon. If she does not squat, you will have to wait. I have chickens that are 19 weeks and only one has begun laying. Many others, however, are beginning to show signs of egg production. Average age for chickens to start laying is at around 20 weeks or 6 months. Good luck and get ready for eggs!!

 

[Living_Legend]

Thanks for the info. I am not into touching them so I will just have to settle for checking the nesting boxes daily.

 

[A.M. Eggs]

Glad I could be of assistance!

 

[ChickNanny13]

A pullets comb/wattle will get very red as they mature, get ready to lay. When they start to squat (when you approach them, hold a hand above their back, or even try to pick them up) an act of submission (for the Roo), they are getting close.

There's an article with this info written by aart in the Learning Center, "Who is laying .... Who is not. Butt check" dated Nov 6, 2017 ... Very informative & helpful

A big factor is the breed of chickens, I've had Wyandottes lay at 6 months, never had Buckeye nor Dominique's. Orpingtons take even longer but love the breed.

 

[Birdsong 82]

My 10 are at 24 weeks and only 6 are laying. They are getting there. Some take longer than others. Do you have a rooster. If so you can see if thier actions around him

 

[Pugsabi]

Thanks for the info. I am not into touching them so I will just have to settle for checking the nesting boxes daily.

I don't know your set up, but chickens don't always know to lay eggs in the nest box. Are you sure they don't have a hidden nest somewhere? They are still young enough that they might not be laying yet, or they could just be sneaky.

 

[rebrascora]

Usually when they are getting close to laying they will become more vocal and visit the nest boxes and scratch the bedding out of them, as well as their combs getting redder and plump. At 18 weeks for the breeds you have, you may be being a little impatient. It will happen when they are ready.
Out of curiosity, what are you feeding them? There is a belief that switching to layer feed too soon can slow their development a little because it is usually lower protein than grower.

 

[sumi]

18 Weeks is a bit young for most breeds, the average POL age being 20-25 weeks. Give them a bit more time, I'm sure you will see eggs soon.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

18 weeks old. Where the **** are my eggs?

At the grocery store

As mentioned 18 weeks is early, but you’re almost there!