Hens not laying - when will they?

[dbahan]

I have three Ameracauna hens. They were born in July and Ruby, the smallest, laid her first egg the week of Christmas. She has been dependable almost every day since. Her two sisters, Diamond and Pearl, have not laid a single egg yet! Should I be more patient? Is there anything I could be doing wrong? Do some hens never lay eggs?

 

[silkiechicken]

They will lay eventually. Are you sure they are not hiding them? They are eating layer feed right? Might have to wait for there to be more hours of sun light.

 

[pips&peeps]

They are only six months old, which isn't too old for late chicks. They probably just haven't been stimulated with enough sunlight.

 

[dbahan]

Thanks for the replies. I will be more patient and wait for more sunlight. I'm pretty sure they aren't hiding them because there aren't too many places to hide them in their open air coop except for the nesting box. Roughly 4 out of 7 days they free range in my backyard so it could be a possibility but then those other three days I surely would see something in the coop. They are on layer feed.
We've been happily feeding the family with Ruby's eggs and can't wait to have even more. Especially since we are urban "farmers". Thanks again!

 

[theOEGBman]

My True Ameraucanas hatched in April, and one just started laying the other day, and the other hasnt started yet. They will be a year old in 2 months. Good Luck getting eggs from yours!

 

[kstaven]

As with all breeds of chickens you do run across lines that are just not good layers. Hatcheries do not have the time or resources to concentrate on this like a good breeder does.

Light, heat, and diet are the factors you can directly control to influence production, if you feel the need.

 

[Churkenduse]

I too thought I would never get eggs, then my Tina started and layed for about a month, then another and in two days another.

When it rains it pours. I hope my others start soon. Be patient they will come mine were over 8 months.

It also seems that the ones that waited have the largest eggs, first egg over 2 ounces.

Good luck....