8 1/2 month old ameraucana not laying - why?

[kch365]

Hi there. We are new to chickens in general so everything seems to require research but this one has got me! We bought 2 chick who were approx 5 weeks old in late October. One RI Red and one Ameraucana. We are in New Mexico so do have a decent winter but I kept the light on if needed and they were fine. The RI Red is laying and has been since about 7 months. But this one is not laying. Not sure what her deal is as she gets in the box and sits like she is trying. We have felt around and don't feel anything bogged up in there. One odd thing is that she seems to get all pooped up a lot. We have had to soak her butt to get off all the poop a few times, although it was not blocking her from pooping - just adding to a poop pile.
Any thoughts or suggestions? We have since got 2 more and they aren't of age yet but they all get along fine. We keep them all in the coup at night but range in the day with plenty of space. We feed them chicken feed and all of our organic veg scraps. Any insight would be great. Thanks!

 

[rachlore]

She could be eating something that is delaying the process.

 

[Auntie]

The modern Aracaunas are not great layers, since they have been cross bred for so many years. Strangley enough I have a cochin that looks just like the picture you posted. Try some laying pellets to get her going. If her eggs are blue, she's pretty true. If not, reconsider what you might have. You can also ask your local vet if she continues to do this. As far as the dirty butt, most of my chickens have the same issue. As long as the vent isn't blocked, I think the girls will be okay. Hopefully someone can help you better than I did.

 

[speckledhen]

Your hen is an Easter Egger, not an Ameraucana or an Araucana. They have mixed genetics and you can't predict when they'll lay. One of mine, who is now one of the best layers in my flock at over 4 years old, did not lay her first egg until she was about 40 weeks old.

 

[kch365]

Thanks so much for the reply! I will keep waiting patiently.

casey