Hey there. My hens are 5.5 months old. When can I expect them to start laying? I don't have my hopes up that it will happen until spring. Does anyone have tips to boost production? Am I supposed to be feeding them something special?
Most likely won't see eggs until after solstice and days start lengthening again, assuming you're in northern hemisphere.
No magical formula to get them to lay. Feed them nutritionally balanced feed (as they're not laying yet, I'd stick with grower or all flock) and then, patience!
If you're already using lights to simulate 14 hours of daylight, you could expect eggs soon. If you're not, probably won't be until March at least.
Appropriate feed and ample clean water will get you as many eggs as you can get.
I agree with using a starter/grower or an All Flock feed, that's what I use. Make sure they have free access to oyster shell. Don't feed much scratch or other treats/food items. Mealworms are fine.
Hi
I purchased 3 pullets Aug 30 & was told they were 3 - 3.5 months old, that makes them 6.5 - 7 mths now. They started laying last week (must to my surprise) - not consistent (ie daily), I have 5 girls in total & I get 0 - 3 eggs daily. The older hens have slowed down from every other day to an egg every 3 or 4 days since the beginning of Nov.
i hatched some chicks out this year and they are about the same age as yours now and i got my first pullet egg yesterday.
i would recommend all the basics, good balanced feed with oyster shell available at all times. they will not eat to much and only when they need it.
fresh water daily. granite grit also available all year.
put some golf balls or fake eggs in the nest boxes so they figure out where to go.
you can add light. (i dont)
not sure where you are located or how your weather or temperature is, but here is 27 degrees and snowing. my coop however is comfortable with 20 chickens and 4 guineas.
My 2 EE that I got as chicks the beginning of June just started laying. One began over a week ago & the other laid her first egg today. I got lucky as one lays blue & the other pale olive. I do not supplement light & they free range. My BO laid an egg a few days ago, but hasn't laid since & was her first egg in months.??nature??