buff orphingtons

[Kaia]

Could my Buff be laying the eggs some where other than the nesting box?? I only have three chickens and they free range. I have searched every where in the yard for a possible egg but haven't found any yet. My other two give me eggs every day. I know it is the other two that produces the eggs because I see them in the nesting box every day. I just got my three chickens in April . Could the buff be old? She is the biggest of the bunch and not friendly. My other chickens are a leg horn and red sex link. They are extremely friendly.

 

[Weasleymum]

Could my Buff be laying the eggs some where other than the nesting box?? I only have three chickens and they free range. I have searched every where in the yard for a possible egg but haven't found any yet. My other two give me eggs every day. I know it is the other two that produces the eggs because I see them in the nesting box every day. I just got my three chickens in April . Could the buff be old? She is the biggest of the bunch and not friendly. My other chickens are a leg horn and red sex link. They are extremely friendly.

1-- Yes, your BO could easily be laying somewhere other than the nesting box. It's surprisingly hard to find the hidden nests sometimes! I would recommend containing all three chickens in their coop/run for a few days, and see if you get more eggs.

2-- If you don't know how old she is, then yes, she might be. Where did you get your chickens from? Is there any way you could contact them to inquire about the BO's age?

3-- Are you absolutely sure that the big, not-friendly BO is actually a hen and not a rooster? That could also account for her not laying any eggs.

 

[cluckaway]

My orphingtons are about 20 weeks old . They all came of the same size but 2 are huge and the other 2 are far smaller . 2 have their big red combs and the other 2 do not , yet?
What should I be feeding them? I have a mix of scratch and pellets but they seem to be hungry all the time. They are free range most of the day in a large back yard. They love hard boiled eggs, watermelon, yogurt etc... When will they begin to lay? They perch in their house at night and have 4 lovely laying boxes that they never sit in. yet? Maybe?
Thanks for any input..

 

[reeac]

I had the same thoughts at first when mine were growing up. I had two that were very large and two that were much smaller. The larger ones also had the big red combs as compared to the smaller ones and I was beginig to think I had a couple of roos. Once mine reached six months they all were the same size and all laying. Hope this answers some doubt.

 

[happylittlehens]

I have 3 buffs that are 24 weeks old and only 1 laying so far. Because they are a dual purpose bird, they take a little longer to start laying than production hens. Just be patient

 

[MandalaMaMa]

My buff is 29 wks and still no eggs! Not sure what the hold up is.

 

[cluckaway]

what should I feed them?

 

[Roxannemc]

X2...... go to 18% protien feed.Are the free ranged?

Have you tried increasing their protein intake it may kick start them. Since they are dual purpose birds they need more protein to reach the weight they need and then the excess goes to the egg.

 

[MandalaMaMa]

X2...... go to 18% protien feed.Are the free ranged?

What can I give that is extra protein? I just changed their food from starter which had 20% to all in one which has 18% protein. They have a very large run with grass and I give them lots of greens and fruits.

 

[chickiegrrl]

MandalaMaMa, are you sure your BO girl is 29 weeks old? My BO just turned 19 weeks old this week and she just started laying 5 days ago. So far we've gotten 4 eggs in 5 days. Our Buffy's comb and wattles are huge and red and she's much more filled out than the buff in your pic. Sorry I don't have a pic of her right now, it's pouring rain. I'll try to get one of her later today.