Australorp mix hasn't laid yet.

[kdolly87]

Hey y'all! I've got a 21/22 week old pullet and she hasn't laid her first egg yet. She's "supposed" to be australorp, RIR and ameraucana mix.
She doesn't do the submissive squat and the little bones next to her vent aren't separating. I'm feeding her grit, oyster shell bits as a supplement chicken scratch for a healthy treat and Dumor brand poultry grower and finisher. Fresh water twice a day at least. She also gets plenty of grass in their expanded enclosure.
I have noticed a change in her personality. She doesn't seem as comfortable with me as a couple weeks ago

I am new to this and thought I was doing everything right. Should I be giving a layer feed? I saw some the other day in the store but hadn't noticed it before.

Here she is

 

[aart]

The change in behavior could be a sign that she might be getting close.
They can get skittish when the hormones start flowing.
But her comb and wattles are still pretty pale.

Grit and oyster shells are not treats, they should be made available in a separate containers to be consumed as needed...(maybe I misread that part).

You probably are just gong to have to wait...many birds start laying between 18-24 weeks, but many also wait longer to start. Last year I had 2 that started at 19 weeks and 2 that waited until 26 weeks.

 

[krista74]

I agree with @aart - she doesn't look quite ready yet. Her comb is quite pale. I also agree she should have free access to water, oyster shell and grit, as well as free access to her grower's pellets all day, every day. I don't switch mine to layer's feed until I see an egg come out of them!

I know the wait is hard. I have a 27 week old and two 25 week old BO x RIR pullets who still haven't laid their first eggs. It will happen when they're ready. Some just take a little longer than others

 

[kdolly87]

The change in behavior could be a sign that she might be getting close.
They can get skittish when the hormones start flowing.
But her comb and wattles are still pretty pale.

Grit and oyster shells are not treats, they should be made available in a separate containers to be consumed as needed...(maybe I misread that part).

You probably are just gong to have to wait...many birds start laying between 18-24 weeks, but many also wait longer to start. Last year I had 2 that started at 19 weeks and 2 that waited until 26 weeks.

Oh of course! The oyster and grit are an open buffet 24/7 lol sorry I worded it strange in the first post patience is what I need to get then! Do they sell that at tractor supply?! Hahaha!

 

[kdolly87]

I agree with @aart - she doesn't look quite ready yet.  Her comb is quite pale.  I also agree she should have free access to water, oyster shell and grit, as well as free access to her grower's pellets all day, every day.  I don't switch mine to layer's feed until I see an egg come out of them!

I know the wait is hard.  I have a 27 week old and two 25 week old BO x RIR pullets who still haven't laid their first eggs.  It will happen when they're ready.  Some just take a little longer than others

Yes I worded it strange in the original post. They have free access to everything water food grit oyster shells and scratch. I need to go but some patience LOL

 

[kdolly87]

She finally laid!!!!