How do you get standard cochins to lay?

[Michele]

I have blue, black and splash standard cochins that were born in late March and I still can't get them to lay. I have several other hens and I have never had this problem. I have them on Kent extra egg layer feed. Are cochins terrible layers? What can I do?
Thanks for you help!

 

[redoak]

I've heard cochins are late to mature but they should be laying be now. You could threaten to shave their leg feathers off.

 

[Michele]

If shaving their feathers would work I would try it! I have been waiting a long time for eggs and I have spent several dollars to raise blue cochins-I am wondering if I should just sell and take my losts!

 

[redoak]

Have you checked for possible hidden eggs? Do they squat when you pet them? Have their combs and waddles turned a bright red?

 

[s6bee]

At this point I would try supplemental light. Give them 14 hrs. if possible. We started a light at 3 a.m. and shut it off by 8 a.m. when the sun was stronger and then let the sunset put them to bed. 2 wks. later my 25 wk. old hens finally started laying. I thought it was never going to happen.

 

[Michele]

Yes, their combs were bright red, but as time has gone by their combs are getting dull. I don't think it could be hidden eggs because they are in a new coop and are fenced in and I should have atleast 5 of them laying. The nest doesn't even look like anything has been in it. I live in Indiana and daylight is just now starting to shorten. What is it about them when you pet them?
Thanks for everyones help!
Michele

 

[conroy]

Have you tried singing to them?

 

[SunAngel]

My one standard Cochin that is old enough to lay, didnt start laying til 7 1/2 months of age. Now she lays an egg almost every day. Yours are about the same age, so I would give them a little more time.

 

[redoak]

If they are getting ready to lay they squat it's the hen "getting ready" for the rooster to do his thing.