24 Weeks and No Eggs

[purpletree23]

I have 5 hens that are 24 weeks old. They were hatched the last day of March. The Buff I have started to lay 2 weeks ago and was steady but now she has gone broody. I'm gently trying to break her but on to the more important question I have.

My other 4 hens are not laying any eggs. The other chickens are 3 Spotted Sussex and an Austrolorp. Not an egg from any of them.

They are on layer pellets, get 10% of their diet from treats, they free range for approx 2 hours in the evening, have crushed oyster shell and chicken grit available 24/7. They have 4 nest boxes made to the specifications of a 'How to Raise Chickens' book. They have red waddles and combs, they are very fluffy and feathered and not a sign of lice or mites.

They did have a respiratory problem months ago and were on Tylan for a week prescribed by a vet.

Please tell me what I am doing wrong.

 

[fldiver97]

I don't think you are doing anything wrong.....Give it another week or 2. Some don't start until 24-28 weeks...

 

[muell112]

I've read that 6 months is an average age for laying. Some of mine have started (Apr 29 hatch) but some of the others have not and don't look like they will be for a while yet (small, not being mated by the roosters etc). I did notice that my little rooster was going in the nest box and sitting in it, fluffing it up etc. A short while after that they started getting interested in going in the boxes and started laying. This is my first year with chickens...

 

[purpletree23]

I've read everywhere that 21 weeks is the average age for laying!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the information. My mind is more at ease now. WHEW!

 

[chick4chix]

I have 6 pullets hatched on April 13th. They were 24 weeks old last Monday. Only 1 is laying (SLW) and she started at 21.5 wks - the other 5 are not laying yet although they get in the nest and practice. So the only one laying has laid 14 eggs so far while the rest are doing nothing- I think they all lay when they are ready- kind of like when your children learn to walk- they just do it- and it's at all different ages- nothing to worry about.