Is Something Wrong With My Chickens?

[Claeys]

We were recently given two pullets (that we were told were around a year old) to start our backyard flock. We are new to raising chickens but we have wanted to and have researched It a lot for years. We thought getting chickens that were already a year old would mean that we would have eggs relatively quickly. However, it has now been 7 weeks and still no eggs. We have friends that got chickens from the same farm and they are already getting eggs every day. I will say, the farm that we got the chickens from had at least over a hundred so it is hard to tell if the chickens we got were the same age as our friends‘ chickens. From the best I can tell, one is a Speckled Sussex and the other may be an Ameraucana. I’ve attached a couple pictures below. I’m also a little worried because the comb on both chickens looks a little different than most pictures that I see on the internet (but I am far from an expert). The speckled Sussex‘s comb is pale and small and the the other’s is darker red but short and fat. Is it possible the chickens just aren’t of egg laying age yet? Or is it the stress of being moved? I wouldn’t think the latter since it has now been 7 weeks. Our family loves them and they are leading a pretty spoiled life.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Susex and EE, they have layer feed and calcium right? They are most likely old.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

If you put 3 fingers up to her vent, can they all fit? Is it moist of dry?

 

[Claeys]

They sure do. Layer feed With calcium and lots of layer specific treats.

 

[azygous]

They certainly appear healthy and happy and well cared for. There are reasons why they may not be producing eggs.

What are you feeding them? How much of what you feed are treats and table scraps? Nutrition is crucial to laying.

Now, pick up each of the hens and locate the vent. On each side of the vent are protruding bones. If you can fit two adult fingers between them, they are of age to lay. Any less, they aren't ready to lay.

 

[Claeys]

Susex and EE, they have layer feed and calcium right? They are most likely old.

That would be shame but we will love them all the same. What makes you think they are old? Thanks for your help!!

 

[Claeys]

They certainly appear healthy and happy and well cared for. There are reasons why they may not be producing eggs.

What are you feeding them? How much of what you feed are treats and table scraps? Nutrition is crucial to laying.

Now, pick up each of the hens and locate the vent. On each side of the vent are protruding bones. If you can fit two adult fingers between them, they are of age to lay. Any less, they aren't ready to lay.

I will try that vent test right now. Their main diet is purina layena crumbles (I tried pellets but they didn’t seem to like them as much). We also give them some MannaPro Omega Egg Maker every day and I usually mix in some red pepper flakes and meal worms as a treat.

 

[Claeys]

I will try that vent test right now. Their main diet is purina layena crumbles (I tried pellets but they didn’t seem to like them as much). We also give them some MannaPro Omega Egg Maker every day and I usually mix in some red pepper flakes and meal worms as a treat.

I checked the bones on each side of the vent and they are much too small to fit two fingers in between. Plus I could tell right away by the vent that they had never laid before. Thank you so much for your help!!