3 Black Orpington 23 weeks old

[Crs1]

I think 2 are pullets and one is a roo.
The pullets have not started laying and the roo has not cock-a-doodle-dood.
Is it the breed?
They are pretty large birds
Any reasons why?
Thanks
Connie

 

[sourland]

I believe the first bird is a cockerel. They are notoriously slow at maturing. He will crow and they will lay - perhaps not until spring.

 

[Gray Farms]

Orpingtons are very slow maturing. The typically don't start laying until around 8-10 months of age depending on what time of year it is. Mine don't start laying until they are around 10 months old depending on how cold early spring is. Truth be told if you bought English Orpingtons for layers you should have bought another breed.

 

[JedJackson]

Agree with sourland.

 

[DobieLover]

Cockerel in first picture. Pullets in second.

 

[Crs1]

I bought the eggs only because I had a broody they were supposed to golden laced Orpington. But I guess the maturity issue would be the same.
They are big beautiful birds anyway!
Thanks
Connie

 

[Gray Farms]

Ok cool. I love the shape of English Orpingtons. I raise several colors even though they lay so poorly.