22 week chickens no eggs

[maryn7]

Mine are at 20 weeks. I've finally gotten some squats this week and some interest in the nesting boxes. We had a blazing hot summer, which is why I think I've got red combs but no eggs. Of all things, I think my OE is going to lay first, as she's started squatting pretty reliably, even though my RIR has a big ol comb and wattles - but no signs of squatting yet.

I'm terrified that the insane squawking I heard twice last week was my OE practicing her egg song. Oh dear lord - it was so loud - I hope she doesn't sing it every time she lays. I was praying she'd seen a predator, but no one else seemed concerned. She's such a chatterbox. (She talks with her mouth full after I bring out fermented feed, and it's legit hilarious.)

@Hollyproulx - fwiw, I think you're at 19 weeks or so, if that makes you feel better. Mine were born mid-April and I'm at 20-21 weeks.

 

[Hollyproulx]

Following. I’m in a similar situation. 20 week old pullets. Not convinced they aren’t dropping eggs somewhere other than nesting boxes since they free range but I left them in their coop until noon one day to see if I could catch an egg but no luck.

I went and checked

 

[Hollyproulx]

of my goodness, guess what I found this afternoon?I little Brown egg in the nesting box.None were there this morning.

 

[RW1984]

The advertised timeline for Hens to start laying eggs is an approximation that’s most likely averaged out from multiple birds.
Don’t get down if they haven’t started laying yet.
I have some that have laid early and others that are about to pass their suggested date to lay.
Birds aren’t machines and can’t be made to lay at a specific time in their life.
As others have said there are other variables that come into play, but also consider that maybe they just aren’t ready and might need a few more days or weeks.
You’ll come out one day and be happily surprised I promise you.
Don’t rush them though just let them and nature figure it out. You’re just there to protect and feed them, be along for the ride and reap the benefit of the eggs when they happen

 

[Hollyproulx]

The advertised timeline for Hens to start laying eggs is an approximation that’s most likely averaged out from multiple birds.
Don’t get down if they haven’t started laying yet.
I have some that have laid early and others that are about to pass their suggested date to lay.
Birds aren’t machines and can’t be made to lay at a specific time in their life.
As others have said there are other variables that come into play, but also consider that maybe they just aren’t ready and might need a few more days or weeks.
You’ll come out one day and be happily surprised I promise you.
Don’t rush them though just let them and nature figure it out. You’re just there to protect and feed them, be along for the ride and reap the benefit of the eggs when they happen

I went out this afternoon and there was one little one. I was so proud. Had to have my neighbors come and see it. In their own time.

 

[K0k0shka]

Do the butt check (pelvic bone spacing). That’s the most reliable check. Mine are 20-21 weeks old and no eggs yet either. One is close, but the rest are nowhere near. I do butt checks occasionally to see how they are progressing.

 

[aart]

Use one of those cheep shop lights double bulbs

Do you mean a fluorescent tube light?

 

[Eggscaping]

Mine are at 20 weeks. I've finally gotten some squats this week and some interest in the nesting boxes. We had a blazing hot summer, which is why I think I've got red combs but no eggs. Of all things, I think my OE is going to lay first, as she's started squatting pretty reliably, even though my RIR has a big ol comb and wattles - but no signs of squatting yet.

I'm terrified that the insane squawking I heard twice last week was my OE practicing her egg song. Oh dear lord - it was so loud - I hope she doesn't sing it every time she lays. I was praying she'd seen a predator, but no one else seemed concerned. She's such a chatterbox. (She talks with her mouth full after I bring out fermented feed, and it's legit hilarious.)

The first one of ours who started laying - Coraline - has THE most dramatic egg song! OMG...it's like she is a complete drama queen! "I HAVE LAID AN EGGG!!!! AND YOU MUST ALL KNOW ABOUT IT - EVERY DETAIL NOW NOW NOW!!! And then the others in her immediate coterie back her up, like the Supremes used to do.
She is calming down the volume a BIT, but yeah...lots of noise, most every time.

 

[maryn7]

She is calming down the volume a BIT, but yeah...lots of noise, most every time.

*grits teeth* My OE has been so drama-fueled since birth. I don't know why I would expect her to be quieter about an egg than she was about leaving the brooder, entering the brooder, my reaching in the brooder, being alone for more than 2 seconds, the garage light not being on, being put in the coop, the food not being where she expects, any time I approach the pen, being touched, being picked up, being put down..... Her first eggs will surely be spent making 'sorry' baked goods for the neighbors.

 

[Hollyproulx]

*grits teeth* My OE has been so drama-fueled since birth. I don't know why I would expect her to be quieter about an egg than she was about leaving the brooder, entering the brooder, my reaching in the brooder, being alone for more than 2 seconds, the garage light not being on, being put in the coop, the food not being where she expects, any time I approach the pen, being touched, being picked up, being put down..... Her first eggs will surely be spent making 'sorry' baked goods for the neighbors.