32 weeks old and the only one not laying.. What gives?

[Diesel84]

Hi BYC!

So I have 3 Black Australorps that are 32 weeks old each.. 2 of my girls started laying about 4-6 weeks ago but I still have one that's not laying yet - what gives? I can tell her combs are not as developed as the other two, but wow how much longer will she have to wait until they grow in? I thought by 32 weeks she'd be to the point of laying regularly like my other two girls. They are all eating layer feed and have an open bottomed run/coop. I have noticed however that she is the one on the bottom of the pecking order.. she does get picked on b/c she is the smallest... Anything I can do? She seems to be in great health otherwise - i'm at a loss!

 

[BethieofVA]

I have a 33 week old BSL and nothing! I think she is barren.

 

[Jajika]

It should occur to you the time of year.

Chickens lay eggs in large part due to age AND sunlight.

It is possible your new hens will not lay until the spring. It's just the way it is. No one is barren, just following what nature supplies. Sunlight and pituitary stimulation.

None of my chickens...big layers all..are doing much right now except losing feathers and generally being miserable. I keep them safe from harm, give them lots of good food with extra fruits and veggies, fresh water and help them get through a tough time.

Just be patient. It's fall.

 

[Imp]

A few years ago I had 2 wait until they were 33 & 35 weeks old. They started the second week of December.

Imp

 

[Diesel84]

Approximately how many hours do they need? It doesn't get dark here until 7:30pm and our weather in Central Florida is still in the 80-90's... I love her just as much

- but would be ecstatic to see her finally laying..

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

One of mine didn't start laying until 34 weeks.