Barred rocks not laying yet. Any advice?

[polishserb]

Have had 15 BR since first of April with 1 leghorn and have not seen any eggs yet. Is this normal? Also they are scratching the bedding out of the layer box. Should I make the edge a little taller? I'm getting frustrated and about ready to stick them in the freezer. Not want I want to do yet though. Any help or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Trillium233]

Oh, I wouldn't freeze them just yet. I've only raised one batch of BR's but they did not start to lay until...I want to say week 24 or so. By my count, yours are not quite to 20 yet. -Don't know about the Leghorn.

 

[angel8035]

Normally start laying between 5-6 months. If they are in the nesting boxes messing around, then they will lay soon.

 

[Fred's Hens]

The Barred Rock isn't a Red Sex Link or other quick-big layer. It is a larger framed, dual purpose bird. Even hatchery BRs won't normally lay until 24 weeks. Our Heritage Barred Rocks take 36-38 weeks, so your patience is required, but it won't be that much longer.

Yes, a taller front "panel" or ledge on the face of the nest does help keep the material in place. All this scratching is also a sign of their preparing. Take it as a positive sign.

 

[polishserb]

Sounds great. Thanks for the help.

 

[BarredRockGirls]

I have 13 BRs . They are 24 weeks old . At 16 weeks I got my first egg . Then 2 more followed ... But that was it - just those 3 for like a month . Now at 24 wks I have 8 layers - regular - 9/10 - that lay whenever. And 3 more that haven't started yet . BUT . I have so many eggs I have 4 dozen in the frig right now... I sell 3 dozen a week at least and last week I had enough $ from JUST chicken egg $ to pay for the chickens feed . So eh I'm not complaining . They will get there

 

[polishserb]

Got my first egg today! Finally! Kids were extremely happy. It was an exciting night!

 

[Trillium233]

Excellent!

Little milestones like this are always fun. -We got all excited about our first couple of eggs too.

 

[mlejneks]

Hi. I'm new to Backyard, and new to raising chickens. I have four hens. They are all about 7 months old now. I have two Gold Stars and two Barred Rocks. I found this post as I have a concern with one of my Barred Rocks. All of my pullets started laying back when they were around 22 weeks of age. The Barred Rock I am concerned with was laying eggs, approximately 3 or 4 per week. Rather suddenly, she has virtually stopped laying eggs. She will go nearly two weeks without laying a single egg. Any idea why? She seems perfectly healthy. She is not molting, her appetite and appearance is very good. Why did she stop laying? I would estimate she has laid only 3 or 4 eggs in the last two months. Will she someday return to a more normal egg laying rate? Any help or suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

 

[big worm]

If they free range, look for hiding spots and you might find eggs. I jad a leghorn that wouldn't lay in the nesting box unless I kept her locked in the coop all day. If you don't let them range I would check for parasites