6 month old layers aren't laying!?

[laurenjordan9]

Ohh duh! haha I haven't seen him do that, but can't the lay without him?

 

[KPenley]

Ohh duh! haha I haven't seen him do that, but can't the lay without him?

Of course, they'll lay eggs regardless! But my roos are my indicator of when they're ready to lay. A good rooster will not mate until a girl is mature. There are some not so nice roos out there too...but I've been lucky enough not to have them. hth

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Your white Leghorns, at least, look like they should be laying any day now. I would watch the flock carefully for the rooster behavior as KPenley noted. They should squat down and sort of flatten themselves waiting for the rooster to mount. They may also squat for you, although they are less likely to since there is a rooster about.

I see what you mean--no way for them to sneak out and lay their eggs elsewhere. If they are checking out your nestboxes, with those red combs, I would expect eggs very, very soon.

 

[laurenjordan9]

We got our first two eggs today

thanks for all the help!

 

[KPenley]

Congratulations on your new eggs!

 

[Cass]

6 months is 32 weeks. Plenty of time for most pullets to start.

You could also have an egg eater. Look for signs of spent shells.

You could also have an egg thief like a crow or magpie.

6x4 = 24. Even if you have a month with 5 weeks in it, that's 25 - 26 weeks. That is still young for some breeds.

 

[Triple Willow]

Does your doghouse/coop have any windows? They need some light. Try putting some golf balls or something similar in the nests to encourage the other pullets to lay. Also you might consider feeding fermented feed. Good luck!

 

[Triple Willow]

Your black chickens look like Black Australorps, they are some of the best layers. Looks like you have a nice flock!

 

[dcbcaaron]

congratulations on your first couple of eggs, have they continued laying?
I have 3 older hens who are Laying, and 3 about the same age as yours that I'm still waiting on to start,
I know exactly how you felt waiting and checking those boxes each day.

 

[mysbev]

I think if you leave them in the coop you might see more egg production when they start laying. they could be already laying but doing it outside of the coop. My egg production goes up tremendously when I leave the hens locked up.