Dominant Copper Pullets

[QueenB915]

Hi...I have 2 dominant coppers 22 weeks old. One started laying over 2 weeks ago and is doing great. My other is healthy but her comb and wattles haven't changed at all and she's not laying. I am feeding appropriate feed and they are both active and happy. Should I be concerned or is she just a late bloomer?

 

[Jener8or]

I would just give her some time. She sounds like she is healthy and just maturing still. Is "appropriate feed" layer pellets? You could try giving them some All Flock with oyster shell on the side to see if boosting the protein a little bit helps, but I wouldn't be too worried; it sounds like she's doing great.

 

[QueenB915]

Thank you...yes they are on Purina layer feed and have Chick grit available at all times. I guess I'll quit watching her like a hawk. Lol

 

[Jener8or]

Thank you...yes they are on Purina layer feed and have Chick grit available at all times. I guess I'll quit watching her like a hawk. Lol

Yes, I don't know where you are located, but the amount of sunlight/light their pineal gland receives regulates their egg laying as well, so that could be a factor, too. Some pullets will lay through the late fall and winter, but some won't and will start in the spring with the rest of the hens.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Agreed. She either needs a few more week or at this point in the year she actually might wait until spring to lay which can also be normal. A lot of hens stop laying with the daylight hours getting shorter and when pullets are sexually maturing at this time in the year it’s not uncommon for them not to start laying until spring.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They've outgrown chick grit since about 16 weeks ago. Shouldn't impact onset of laying but would help with digestion to put them on an appropriate size grit.

 

[QueenB915]

I have them on pullet grit now. And am drying the eggshells from my one hen that's laying beautiful eggs to cycle back into their diet. I just got up to another soft egg from my other girl and it's only the second egg she has laid.
I have a feeling perhaps she's just not maturing like the other hen.
Thank you so much