I know it probably gets discussed a lot...but I need some support :-)

[superjules75]

My buff orp is 26 weeks old and not even close to laying. She doesn't squat and her comb is little. Is this normal? Will I wait forever? I've seen that one guy's post with pictures of his buff orps but I'm wondering what is the longest anyone has waited...thanks!

 

[Fuzzy_Hat_Farm]

unfortunately, I don't have Buff Orpington's (which I wanted), but I have a couple hens that just started laying and they never did the squat and the one I caught laying sure didn't have a comb as big as the other girls who are STILL not laying. You never know, they may surprise you soon with a little present. Hang in there!

 

[jenjscott]

My BOs were about 30 weeks

 

[LynneP]

She'll get there. Some of my hybrids appear to be Buff Orp crosses, I know the alpha could be a BO. She was slower to start but is the best hen in the flock for temperament and is a very reliable layer now. I bet your girl is jealous of the others!

 

[Pupsnpullets]

Last year I had 4 hatch in the last week of February. One started laying in September, one in November (then she immediately went into a moult and didn't start laying again til February), and the other two started laying on New Year's day. I have only one word of encouragement for you: patience

. I think the cooler weather and shorter daylight span has a lot to do with it, too.

 

[Reinbeau]

Quote:
What a neat photo, Lynne, the lighting is really nice!

 

[LynneP]

Just a lucky shot! That hen is a broody, who is very annoyed with me each morning as I take 'her' eggs away. Then she settles into the daily routine. She self-plucks but keeps a good weight and likes to tuck her head in my coat pocket- no doubt looking for eggs.

 

[momreda]

Quote:
There is a chart on this subject that BYCers have contributed to that tells when the earliest egg came from a breed and the latest, it is updated regularly. I will see if I can locate it and post the link for you

 

[momreda]

Here's the link!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=231744

 

[superjules75]

Yeah, I've seen that but it says the latest for BO is 28 weeks and I've heard a lot of people say it took theirs much longer.