6 months old - on layer feed?

[BLaBauve]

I have 2 BLRW's and 1 RIR that are over 6 months old and have never layed. I started them on layer feed about a month ago - hoping that they would start laying. I don't know if they will lay this year now that winter is coming. Can they stay on layer feed even when not laying? Are there other options I should be considering?

Thanks!

 

[jenjscott]

They'll lay when they get ready. They are old enough to stay on layer pellets. My buckeyes are almost 8 months old and some have just started laying, and the others aren't laying yet.

 

[M To The Maxx]

Give your hens time. Some people say that Layena (layer food) will make hens lay. I disagree. Layena (layer food) makes the eggshell stronger and some other things.

 

[speckledhen]

Laying feed does not make them lay; it merely gives them the nutrition they need when they are laying. Maxx is correct.

 

[BLaBauve]

I would be thrilled if the started to lay in the GA mild fall/winter. But friends have told me not to count on it until it warms up again. I hope they're wrong! I will keep them on the layer feed as you suggested. Thanks.

 

[speckledhen]

I think they will probably lay before spring. I have a 23 week old BR pullet who is just now investigating the nestboxes. I'm sure she will lay in the next couple of weeks.