Black Australorp hasn’t started laying

[getaclue]

Grit, and oyster shell are two different things. Oyster Shell is soluble, and for calcium. It should not be used as grit. Grit is to help them break down food, since they don't have teeth. Grit should not break down so quickly, and is not a source of calcium.

 

[Sally PB]

My BAs cam from TSC and started laying at 19 weeks. I know TSC doesn't have the highest quality birds, but is their early(ish) start to laying a sign that they are of poor quality? Would allowing them to hatch some of their own eggs (BO cockerel would be the father) lead to compounding poor qualities in a mutt crossing?

I'm not looking for show birds, just healthy, productive, ... nice birds.

 

[JaredandLauren]

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?

Oyster shell is for calcium and grit is to help them digest their food in their crop.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

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

Blue australorps are usually a hybrid for production, so that makes sense.

 

[JaredandLauren]

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.

Yeah she’s had a dark comb since August. She doesn’t squat but neither do some of my other hens that are laying.

 

[Jedstar]

Oh well just wait and keep an eye on her

 

[Jedstar]

Oh well just wait and keep an eye on her

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi. I think my 10 BA's from Cackle Hatchery were mostly all laying by between 22 and 24 weeks of age but I'm not positive. In fact I could not actually swear that they are all laying even now, as I have never had a day on which I get 10 eggs! I agree with other posters who have said it's better to feed an all-flock formula with oyster shell on the side for those who need it, if you have non-laying birds in your flock, such as young or old birds or males. Also, crushed granite grit provided separately is necessary for all birds as well. Finally, watch that you do not offer too many treats, as these are like junk food that can prevent your birds from getting the balanced nutrition they need from their commercial feed. Good luck, and let us know when your BA lays her first egg! (She couldn't be hiding her eggs, could she?)

 

[JaredandLauren]

Hi. I think my 10 BA's from Cackle Hatchery were mostly all laying by between 22 and 24 weeks of age but I'm not positive. In fact I could not actually swear that they are all laying even now, as I have never had a day on which I get 10 eggs! I agree with other posters who have said it's better to feed an all-flock formula with oyster shell on the side for those who need it, if you have non-laying birds in your flock, such as young or old birds or males. Also, crushed granite grit provided separately is necessary for all birds as well. Finally, watch that you do not offer too many treats, as these are like junk food that can prevent your birds from getting the balanced nutrition they need from their commercial feed. Good luck, and let us know when your BA lays her first egg! (She couldn't be hiding her eggs, could she?)

Thank you! I thought she’s hiding them somewhere too but I checked and she isn’t.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

So just so I understand. You have several chickens, all the same age, 28 weeks old. Only one of them is a Black Australorp and she is the only one not yet laying, is that right? You know this because... how? She is the only one that would lay a brown egg? Or ... ? You might have answered this already and I missed it, so please bear with me.