Hens not laying at 28 weeks

[crysab]

Hello! I am new to BYC and got my first chicks last spring! I have 3 black australorps and 3 buff Orpingtons who are 28 weeks. (And a lone barred rock who is 24ish weeks). Unfortunately the girls didn't start laying before the days got short. It's also gotten pretty cold here in southern Manitoba (-16C today). I am thinking I may be out of luck till spring. I realize I can manage thier light but I'm not sure I want to go down that route. What are my chances that the girls give me a few eggs during winter?

 

[sourland]

Enlarged the picture, and judging by their lack of comb development it will be a while yet. Day length will soon be increasing, and they will begin to lay.

 

[crysab]

The picture isn't recent. This one is from last week.
The buff Orpingtons will be first for sure. I realize the australorps haven't quite developed yet. (Sorry they're not good at posing lol)

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you. You will probably get eggs by January.

 

[blkjak]

Your birds will start to lay before too long. My May pullets are just starting to lay. The weather is not helping though and the next week doesnt look any better. Wind chill is not so nice tonight. I do keep my lights on for 14 hours a day only to get some eggs.

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under crysab

Welcome!

I hope you get some eggs very soon.

I also hope you enjoy BYC. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[N F C]

Thanks for including some pictures with your intro, it's always fun to see another member's flock. Whether you add additional lighting or not is a personal choice (I never did, figured they deserved a rest). Hope you see some eggs before much longer, that first one always seems to take forever, lol.

Make yourself at home here and thanks for joining us!

 

[drumstick diva]

You have some lovely ladies

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and my warmest welcome to Backyard Chickens! I am so glad you decided to join the community and I do hope you will make yourself at home here!