This is my first adventure into chickens so I am learning. Bought 10 ISA Brown pullets 6 weeks ago. Was told they were 18 weeks at the time. None of them are laying or even showing signs, combs are pale and undeveloped, not bowing when approached, etc. Everything i read says most start laying around 20-22 weeks and i'm almost at 24 weeks and nothing. The local hatchery said to feed them pullet grower until they start laying. They have a steady supply of food and fresh water, and occasional mealworms also. I have attached a couple of pics. Any info or knowledge to help would be greatly appreciated.
I don't think you were told the correct age. They look to be a little younger, give them another month. I like to keep mine on grower, a non medicated, as they will continue to grow throughout their first year and layer sometimes can't support that, especially breeds like sex links who lay a lot. After they begin to lay put out a separate bowl of oyster shells.
What is their lighting situation like? Do they know when the sun comes up and when the sun goes down? Since it's spring time, they should be in housing that will allow them to know that the day length is getting longer. It also wouldn't hurt to provide them a little bit of oyster shell free choice.
