Is it just my Barred Rocks?

[NJ Mike]

I'm hoping someone can help with a BR issue. Being completely new to the coop life, I'm having my first and only dilemma. My BR Betty is the top of the pecking order , she's been my "rock" since day one. She's sweet as pie, and my communicator. After four months I realized my Betty is the only one of four thats not producing eggs. Is this normal or can this condition change. I have two white Leghorns, that produce like clockwork. Even with the early sundown, and climate change. Then I have two BR's . It appears only one is giving me a daily egg. Although the BR's did produce later then the LH's and, they even miss a day here and there, I'm only taking down one brown egg. Looking for advise or direction before I give my Betty away for an egg laying replacement.

 

[chickencheeper]

I'm hoping someone can help with a BR issue. Being completely new to the coop life, I'm having my first and only dilemma. My BR Betty is the top of the pecking order , she's been my "rock" since day one. She's sweet as pie, and my communicator. After four months I realized my Betty is the only one of four thats not producing eggs. Is this normal or can this condition change. I have two white Leghorns, that produce like clockwork. Even with the early sundown, and climate change. Then I have two BR's . It appears only one is giving me a daily egg. Although the BR's did produce later then the LH's and, they even miss a day here and there, I'm only taking down one brown egg. Looking for advise or direction before I give my Betty away for an egg laying replacement.[/QUOTE
My 3 br s along with a slw are the only ones not laying eggs yet and they are 30 weeks, 2 other chickens have already started laying

 

[SonoranChick]

I'm hoping someone can help with a BR issue. Being completely new to the coop life, I'm having my first and only dilemma. My BR Betty is the top of the pecking order , she's been my "rock" since day one. She's sweet as pie, and my communicator. After four months I realized my Betty is the only one of four thats not producing eggs. Is this normal or can this condition change. I have two white Leghorns, that produce like clockwork. Even with the early sundown, and climate change. Then I have two BR's . It appears only one is giving me a daily egg. Although the BR's did produce later then the LH's and, they even miss a day here and there, I'm only taking down one brown egg. Looking for advise or direction before I give my Betty away for an egg laying replacement.

She may just be a late layer, or simply hesitant to begin laying as we approach winter. I would give her some time, especially since she's so special to you. Every chicken is unique and I'm sure she'll come around. I once had an ameraucana who waited until week 40 to begin laying!

 

[JewelBirds]

I'm hoping someone can help with a BR issue. Being completely new to the coop life, I'm having my first and only dilemma. My BR Betty is the top of the pecking order , she's been my "rock" since day one. She's sweet as pie, and my communicator. After four months I realized my Betty is the only one of four thats not producing eggs. Is this normal or can this condition change. I have two white Leghorns, that produce like clockwork. Even with the early sundown, and climate change. Then I have two BR's . It appears only one is giving me a daily egg. Although the BR's did produce later then the LH's and, they even miss a day here and there, I'm only taking down one brown egg. Looking for advise or direction before I give my Betty away for an egg laying replacement.

It really depends on how old she is and how much time you are willing to give her. My Barred Rocks didn't start laying until 24 weeks old (about 6 months). Plus with winter practically here, there's less daylight hours which usually decreases or completely stops egg laying. My Leghorns, too, are still laying pretty good. It's up to you on whether to give her up or not. However I would suggest to give her time, if you're willing to wait, possibly until after spring molt. Also, you could do some research on artificial lights which could help.

 

[NJ Mike]

thank you , that defiantly makes me feel a little better. I can't see parting with Betty just yet..

 

[NJ Mike]

just wondering ? how long does the molt take?

 

[JewelBirds]

just wondering ? how long does the molt take?

Molting will take anywhere from a few weeks or a few months. I have heard it could happen in the spring (or anytime) but usually in the fall. It depends on how long it takes for feathers to grow back. They need a good of amount of protein during this time as well, which is why they stop laying eggs because all of their energy is going into growing their feathers. There are plenty of resources on here about molting, egg laying, etc. You can type in keywords in the search bar at the top. Also, this is a new thread I saw and it has some reasons why hens will stop laying (or won't start laying) - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/mystery-solved-why-hens-stop-laying-eggs.1210088/