Hens not laying

[nicandtroyintown]

OK chicken buffs, please help me out. I have five 6 month old hens and one 6 month old rooster. Despite having egg boxes for 1 1/2 months, we have no eggs. They are organically fed and get the right amount of protein. They get 12 hrs. of sunlight now. The temperature is 40-70 degrees.

Still, no eggs. And no sign of them laying ANYTHING. Will you please give me any tips to get them started???

Thanks!

 

[horsejody]

What breed are they? Some mature slower than others. Also, is there a possibility that they are hiding eggs?

ETA: Welcome to BYC!!

 

[nicandtroyintown]

Hello! Thanks for your response. They are Barred Plymouth Rocks. We have had them loose in the yard so I will investigate the possibility of hiding eggs.

Some of the hen's combs are more red and pronounced than others, so I guess they are closer to being layers?

Is there any possibility that the Rooster may be hindering them?

 

[LynneP]

And hens need a minimum of 14 hours daylight for reliable laying. We have a light coming on in the coop from 5 am- 8 am to achieve this. Having good luck! You're almost there...

 

[digitS']

Quote:
If he is a source of undue stress - yes, indeed.

The pullets should be putting their feed nutrients into completing their growth and into egg production. If they are instead, not eating well, burning up a lot of calories, and healing from damage caused by testosterone-charged Mr. Roo . . . you can see how that will be counter-productive.

Steve

 

[Lollipop]

Don`t be too quick to blame the rooster. It could be, but most likely egg production will commence any day. Heavy breeds sometimes take a little longer, so a little more patience will be rewarded. The pink faces are a good sign, so hang in there........Pop