Black Australorp hasn’t started laying

[JaredandLauren]

I have a black Australorp who is 28 weeks old and hasn’t started laying. The rest of the flock started about mid August, but my Black Australorp has not. Is this normal?

 

[Chickenslol]

I mean I have two black australorps doing the same thing right now, take my opinion with a grain of salt, but they definitely mature slower. Just make sure they’re getting a lot of calcium for when they do start laying and if it gets to be about a month from now and they still aren’t laying, if look at stress or diet problems as a factor. For now just let her be. I have two Rhode Island reds who started early august and mine also still haven’t laid so I’m not super concerned but definitely monitoring.

 

[JaredandLauren]

I mean I have two black australorps doing the same thing right now, take my opinion with a grain of salt, but they definitely mature slower. Just make sure they’re getting a lot of calcium for when they do start laying and if it gets to be about a month from now and they still aren’t laying, if look at stress or diet problems as a factor. For now just let her be. I have two Rhode Island reds who started early august and mine also still haven’t laid so I’m not super concerned but definitely monitoring.

Thank you. I have two blue Australorps too but those started laying a long time ago. It’s interesting.

 

[rayrose]

Mine started laying at 21 weeks. Maybe it's what you're feeding them.

 

[getaclue]

Good quality BA's mature more slowly, and take longer to start laying. Don't increase calcium, rather put out free choice oyster shell, and have the nest boxes ready. Mine have always been around 26 weeks when they start laying, but even at 4 years old, lay very good. They start slowing down around their 4th year.

 

[rayrose]

Mine came from Meyer's and I don't believe they sell substandard birds.

 

[JaredandLauren]

Good quality BA's mature more slowly, and take longer to start laying. Don't increase calcium, rather put out free choice oyster shell, and have the nest boxes ready. Mine have always been around 26 weeks when they start laying, but even at 4 years old, lay very good. They start slowing down around their 4th year.

They have had free choice oyster shells for three months now and the nest boxes are ready because the rest of the flock is laying. I give them fermented feed every third day plus free choice layer feed. And they free range in the yard for a few hours each day. And occasionally get kitchen scraps too. I don’t think I’m depriving them of nutrients haha

 

[JaredandLauren]

Mine started laying at 21 weeks. Maybe it's what you're feeding them.

They have had free choice oyster shells for three months now and the nest boxes are ready because the rest of the flock is laying. I give them fermented feed every third day plus free choice layer feed. And they free range in the yard for a few hours each day. And occasionally get kitchen scraps too. I don’t think I’m depriving them of nutrients haha

 

[Chickenslol]

Good quality BA's mature more slowly, and take longer to start laying. Don't increase calcium, rather put out free choice oyster shell, and have the nest boxes ready. Mine have always been around 26 weeks when they start laying, but even at 4 years old, lay very good. They start slowing down around their 4th year.

Is that what it is? When I say calcium I mean increasing grit, is this the wrong terminology or are oyster shells and grit different?

 

[Jedstar]

Just be patient. Pure Australorp take a bit to start laying. Couple of mine took to 7 to 9 months. I just give mine a layer scratch mix and a handful or 2 shellgrit with their feed when I fill their container. And food scraps and let them free range all day. 2 signs are if she's starting to get all dark red combs and wattles. And if you walk up to her with your hand fast and she squats.