EE still not laying....

[ChicknsRock]

Hi,
I have an EE that's about a year old, she's small, in perfect health, free range and she hasn't laid any eggs yet. She isn't molting, and I go on everyday "Easter Egg Hunts" and have no luck in finding eggs. I put a little crate in her favorite hiding place—the azalea bushes. Do you think she would start laying in it? Why isn't she laying eggs yet?
Thanks in advance,
ChicknsRock

 

[ChickenCanoe]

She could be a late bloomer.
I'm always concerned when I hear this because people are often feeding layer feed which can be excessive calcium for a non layer.

http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/2013/02/calcium-mixed-flocks-vs-mixed-feeds.html

 

[chickgirl66]

I was told to start layer feed at 18 wks. Can this hurt them if they aren't laying?

 

[donrae]

She sure looks like she should be laying. Have you tried confining her for a few days to see what happens? You'd be amazed where free range birds can hide their eggs.....

 

[AngryRooster]

You can always try the "spa treatment" which has worked for me most of the time. YOu can find the instructions in the link below.

http://hencam.com/faq/the-spa-treatment/

 

[AngryRooster]

Also, you should make sure your hen is eating some oyster shells and I've heard that putting a bit of olive oil in yogurt or oatmeal and feeding it to chickens helps a bit.

 

[ChicknsRock]

Thank you all!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I was told to start layer feed at 18 wks. Can this hurt them if they aren't laying?

Yes it can.
Commercially, they have a lighting program that stimulates all pullets to lay at the same time and they can safely switch to a high calcium feed. Without a lighting program or with birds of various ages, giving a 4% calcium diet can be harmful.

Starting layer at 18 weeks can be a good idea in spring and summer but not fall and winter. We just don't know when they will start laying. If they aren't building shells, they have to process the excess calcium with the kidneys. That can cause kidney damage.

 

[chickgirl66]

Got my first egg today!

 

[ChicknsRock]

Got my first egg today!

Congrats!