Is she really not laying yet?

[MuranoFarms]

I have 3 splash marans hens. Over a month ago 1 of them started to get really red in the comb and wattles. It's been about 3 weeks since I first saw my roo 'make friends' with her. She's 22 weeks old now. Is she really not laying? Or do I need to search the woods for a nest? They free range from 8-8 every day, although they have free access to the coop. I have not found 1 egg. Her sister has been getting red in the comb/wattles lately and the boys are starting to like her too.

If they're not laying yet, that's fine.....but if they're laying in the woods I need to pick up the eggs so the local wildlife doesn't find a free lunch out there. I don't have any other laying egg hens to show them where to lay, that's why I think they may choose the woods. Or will they just know to use the nest boxes? (the only 1 I've seen in the nest boxes is the smallest sister and she's not getting the red comb yet)

Thanks!

 

[lil'chicken]

I doubt they're laying yet, but they're close. Do they squat when you pet them?

 

[teach1rusl]

I would think that if the rooster has mated your one girl, that she's laying. I'd keep her in the coop for two days and see if you find an egg; I'm betting they're being laid elsewhere.

 

[lil'chicken]

Quote:
I say she's probably not laying because shes 22 weeks old and the rooster mated her a month ago. Course, I don't know nothin' bout marans either

 

[teach1rusl]

My EE was laying at 19 weeks. I only had a rooster for a short period, so I'm no expert. But I've always read that roosters wouldn't mount hens until they were egg laying age.

 

[MuranoFarms]

He mates her every chance he gets

actually, so does one of the other boys. I'll search the woods tomorrow for eggs. Maybe she has a secret stash. lol

Yes, she does squat when I pet her. She's also rounding out a bit. Getting a little bit fatter. Its cute!