Freeloading hens

[Wiccan chicken]

I have 6 hens who are nearly 5 months old and are being fed layer feed and mealworms with ground up eggshells. I have also tried putting false eggs in the nesting boxes to get them accustomed to the laying section of the coop. I have a Delaware hybrid hen and rooster, two Buff Orpingtons, and three Black Austrolorps. My Orpingtons and Austrolorps are small but I thought my Delaware hybrid hen would be laying by now. This is my first flock so I’m not experienced yet. What could be going on, or is this pretty normal?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Most breeds don't start laying eggs until 6 months, or older.

Unless they're Production hybrids, then they could start laying eggs as early as 3-4 months of age. Most common is 5 months.

 

[Sally PB]

My three BAs started laying at 19 weeks. However, that was the beginning of August. One of them is going through a partial molt and not laying. The other two lay 3-4 times a week each. Way down from 5-6 times a week for all three. Short hours of daylight. Sigh. Maybe they get seasonal affect disorder too.

 

[Wiccan chicken]

Thank you so much for responding, this eased a lot of my worries.

 

[RevlisRemmah]

I have 15 pullets that turned 5 months on the first of November. Only 2 of them are laying. I don’t have the same breeds as you but I am being taught a lesson in patience! Hang in there!!

 

[ILoveDaffy]

I totally get it!

 

[aart]

I have 6 hens who are nearly 5 months old and are being fed layer feed and mealworms with ground up eggshells. I have also tried putting false eggs in the nesting boxes to get them accustomed to the laying section of the coop. I have a Delaware hybrid hen and rooster, two Buff Orpingtons, and three Black Austrolorps. My Orpingtons and Austrolorps are small but I thought my Delaware hybrid hen would be laying by now. This is my first flock so I’m not experienced yet. What could be going on, or is this pretty normal?

So about 18-20 weeks old?
A bit early...and they shouldn't be getting layer feed until they are laying, that can slow down their maturation.
Seeing any of these signs:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/
Plus if you live in the northern hemisphere, the shorter days will also delay onset of lay.

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @Wiccan chicken
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!