Chickens just started laying and already on strike

[jengrinager]

We have 4 chickens, 2 dark Brahmas, 1 Americauna, and 1 Buff Orpington. I got them all when they were 2 days old and they are 12 days apart in age with the Brahmas being the oldest. We got our first egg on September 11th and have gotten one egg every day since then until yesterday and today. I'm pretty sure that it is the Brahmas who are laying and I thought that it was only one of them at first, but then I thought maybe they both were. The eggs look really similar and could all be from the same chicken. They are light brown, almost cream colored with white specks on them. The Brahmas were 5 months old and 4 days on September 11th. Could it be that only one of them is laying and she is just taking a break for a couple of days? Each day the egg was in the same nesting box. I don't know if that is a clue that it is the same chicken or not? Once they start laying, is it typical for them to miss a day or two here and there?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Many hens don't lay daily, and many will take breaks after laying so many. Brahma aren't an egg laying breed, so they probably lay for a bit and than stop for a bit. Your Orpington will probably be your more consistent layer once she starts.

 

[carlf]

Completely normal. Nothing to worry about.
Once they get their egg laying system up & running well (takes a month or so) expect 4-5 eggs per week from each hen. Some weeks less, some week more.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!!

Brahmas are a dual purpose bird...not the greatest layers, but a decent carcass for meat.
They often mature later than other smaller bodied breeds.
EE can also be inconsistent layers.

Do you free range?
If so, they may be laying out in range area.

Check vents and pelvic points to see who is laying and who is not.
Vent:
Dry, tight, and smaller - usually not laying.
Moist, wide, and larger - usually laying

Pelvic Points 2 bony points(pelvic bones) on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.