21 week old buff orpingtons, no eggs yet! How much longer? Do I need lights?

21 weeks is not that old. Be patient. Some Buff Orpingtons will lay as late as 7 months! You'll definitely gets eggs sometime this fall or winter, artificial lighting might help bring it on sooner. Personally I do not use artificial lighting - I find it's harder on the hens since it extends their natural laying cycle even longer than it already is.

 

Welcome to BYC! That sure sounds like they are laying...or very, very close.

Do you free range? They may be laying out in range area.

Check vents and pelvic points, if this shows they are likely laying, keep them locked up for a week or so.
Vent:
Dry, tight, and smaller - usually not laying.
Moist, wide, and larger - usually laying

Pelvic Points 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.

Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for 3-4 days (or longer) can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop 24/7 for a few days to a week, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

Hi chickenmama536! I feel your frustration, I have a 24 week old BO that is waaaayyyy behind the other girls (different breeds) her age. Not even any sign of red comb or wattles! From the research I have done it seems like the Buff Orps are late bloomers as far as laying.

@aart : VERY interesting information on pelvic bones and vent changes! Thank you for sharing!

 

My BO laid this morning at 22 weeks and 1 day. There is no set time that they will lay. Usually between 20 and 25 weeks. Any day now!!