hens weeks apart in age not laying -- what's up?

[hot for hens in vt]

I have 4 hens (3 wyandottes, 1 buff orp) who are 24 weeks old and not laying. I also have 2 hens (americaunas) at about 20 weeks and another 3 (barred rocks and rhode island red) who are 13 weeks. Is it possible that the older girls are delayed due to the presence of the younger hens? Has their cycle been delayed due to the hormonal influence of the younger girls -- sort of the way it happens with human girlfriends?

 

[Chickn chick 46]

I wouldn't think the difference in age would matter. The older ones should start laying soon. I have two 20 week old BR's and they don't even do the squat yet.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

I have a whole mess of chickens, B.Orp, and Wyandottes included, at the same age, 24 weeks.. they're not laying either. I think it's the decreased sunlight here in VT, in addition to all the nasty, COLD weather we've been having.. gonna freeze again tonight or tomorrow night.. my ladies don't like it, though they've been having a BLAST in all the leaves. Swimming through the leaf pile my husband just raked up, and exploding it.... hilarious!

 

[hot for hens in vt]

Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. I was just really hoping for them to start laying before the time change...I fear if they don't by then, we're waiting for spring.

 

[hot for hens in vt]

We have eggs!

As of about 10 days ago!!! I'm pretty sure it's one of my golden lace wyandottes and my buff orpington. Going about every other day...so cool! They are beautiful!