23 weeks. Nooooo eggs

[Apache12]

Yes I’m new to chickens and I know they will eventually lay but I can’t stand the waiting anymore. I want to put a store bought in their box just so I can see an egg. Black Australorp Is the breed. All have red combs. Healthy big birds. Thinking now that the weather is turning cooler in Phoenix maybe that will start them.

 

[Duckee]

Bad news: they lay only when thier ready. Good news: you have a breed that will be faithful in laying consistantly when the time comes.
If they are all the same age, the first layer will set them all in motion.
When they are close to lay, I make sure the have private dark boxes( i have 3/4 of the opening curtained) and randomly pick one up and place it in the box. It may jump back out or stay for a minute. But defintely peeks their interest.

 

[maryn7]

We had a hot summer and I think that delayed my pullets. My first (22 weeks) just laid yesterday - an olive egger. I've got a RIR with big comb and wattles. I was sure she was going to lay first, but has interest in the boxes. And my BR still has a pretty little comb, though her wattle game is improving.

My girls all lost their big, flouncy tail feathers in a hot streak - they weren't pulling, I think it was either just the last of the juv molt or the heat. The OE got hers back first, and that seems to have done the trick for her. So I'm expecting more eggs from the other two once they're done getting the feathers grown back.

Which is all to say, I, too, have been (im)patiently waiting! But I bet your girls are close, and my experience is that the cooler temps have helped them focus on things other than staying cool.

 

[Apache12]

thank you both. they have a dark box with two spots to lay, and the two have a divider between them but I think they could still see each other. I'll try placing them in the box

 

[aart]

I want to put a store bought in their box just so I can see an egg.

Use fake eggs or golf balls as 'bait'....not real eggs.

Black Australorp Is the breed. All have red combs.

Are your birds free range?

Time for an exam:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Then maybe:
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 a week or so 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 and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, 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.

 

[Apache12]

Will baiting really work? They are mostly in a coop. They get to free range every other day or so for about 4-5 hours. It’s been so hot that even in the early morning they just hang out in some bushes

 

[Apache12]

Use fake eggs or golf balls as 'bait'....not real eggs.

Are your birds free range?

Time for an exam:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Then maybe:
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 a week or so 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 and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, 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.

Exam link it great. Thanks

 

[aart]

Will baiting really work?

It's help show them where to lay.....but won't make them lay any sooner.

 

[chknlittle17]

I'm in the same boat. Mine are 22 weeks this week. The only one looking ready to lay soon is one of my brahmas. I really thought they would be last to lay.

 

[sourland]

Patience ! All good things in their own time.