32 week old EE's not laying??

[Cl2Abbeyrd]

Easter Eggers do best on a higher protein diet. And switching to layer before they are ready to lay can drastically slow down their development, taking them even longer to start laying. They need to be kept on a feed with at least 18% protein content.

Mine are currently not laying due to cold and less light - they eat Nutrena Layer Crumbles. Think I could give them the 18% protein formula for feather growth for the next month or 2? 1 bag will last my 3 gals 1.5 months!

 

[junebuggena]

Birds that aren't laying do not need all the extra calcium that is in layer feed. And feather fixer has just as much calcium as most layer feeds. Unmedicated starter/grower, flock raiser, or an all flock feed would be better.

 

[junebuggena]

And you don't need to feed layer feed at all. Laying hens can get all the calcium they need from crushed oyster shell.

 

[Welshies]

And you don't need to feed layer feed at all. Laying hens can get all the calcium they need from crushed oyster shell.

Yep, I second that. My flock all gets 18% maintenance ration and free chouce oyster shell... I get 20 eggs a week.

 

[Cindy in PA]

All the EEs that I have had laid at 18-20 weeks & laid well. Yours might have just been hatched slightly later in the year than what mine usually are. Good news is the light is increasing & hopefully they will lay soon. Layer feed is Ok for a chicken after 18 weeks, so it is your choice. Never found any birds that have to have higher protein unless you give lots of treats. They will surprise you one day when you least expect it. Have fun!

 

[Chikkiepoo]

I am new to this too, so have no helpful advice except perhaps that a watched chicken never lays . But my chickens were born May 1 and I have an Australorp that still hasn't laid. Just changed her name to Useless. Several more experience people have told me that if she hasn't started by now she probably won't until spring.
Thanks for bringing up this subject. Can't wait to read any good advice on your problem.

 

[Farmgirl217]

Thank you all so much!! I will definitely get them some higher protein feed and some oyster shell, So hopefully they will be laying soon! Good luck with your chickens this winter!!
@Chikkiepoo @Cindy in PA @Welshies