22 weeks and still no eggs.

[Dundee]

I have 3 hens (black australorps) that are 22 week and I haven't seen an egg yet. I have been starting to think that maybe my turkey is getting it first? I don't know why else I wouldn't have an egg from one of those three? I do have 2 roos (one was supposed to be a hen but mistakes happen) so now with the 2 roos we got 4 more hens that are 14 weeks. The roos, 3 old hens, and turkey all came home together at the same age (3 days I think). Oh and they are on layer food. Why can't I get an egg?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Layer food does not make them lay and it shouldn't really be fed until after they lay, most of my australorps didn't start laying until 5-6 month old so you might have to wait a bit.

 

[Skylercarr]

Are the roosters kept with your hens because if they are your roosters could be over breeding your hens. This can make your hens very unhappy and sometimes won't lay because of this. Also some breeds lay later then other breeds. The weather can also plays a big roll in when your hens will lay. If for example it's cold out they might not start laying till it gets warm.

 

[Dundee]

I was told not to give them layers till I saw the first egg by a few people and then I had more people saying to give them layers as soon as they turn 16 weeks. so I waited till they were about 19 weeks. I have also been doing oyster shells that they have been eating (not tons now that they are on layer) but I'm starting to think it is the breed. My younger hens are Red Sex Links so hopefully I'll get an egg from the Black Australorps before the RSL lol. Thanks for your feed back

 

[Dundee]

Yes both roo's are kept with them. Only one of the roo's try's from time to time but he's a bit smaller than the hens so he gets told what's up. The bigger roo has never tried anything and we are out there a lot. He keeps to himself 99.9% of the time. It is pretty hot where I live (north of Phoenix, AZ) and the temp has been around 110* so that could be why too.