It's my chickens' first winter should they be laying?

Milesfamilyfarm

In the Brooder
Nov 14, 2017
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I have three chickens we got them a few days after they where born in April. One of my easter eggers has been showing all the signs she will lay soon for the past few weeks But she hasn't laid an egg. The Orpington isn't as far along as her but my other easter egger is showing absolutely no signs at all and the are all the same age. My main question though is if my fist easter egger I talked about should have laid already or if there is something wrong with her because she's been showing signs for so long. ( sorry it this is confusing let me know if you have questions about this!)
 
There is nothing wrong except that we're well past the summer solstice. Most breeds should start laying from 5-6 months of age, however yours were reaching that age when days were beginning to shorten. You can kick start them by adding some light to the coop in the morning to simulate a longer day. Put one on a timer and begin by adding an hour in the morning before sunrise and every week add another half hour. by the time you're over a 12 hour day, birds that age should start laying.
I assume they are getting layer feed now. If you opt not to add light, I'd take them off layer (move back to grower or all flock) until they start laying. Excess calcium for birds not building egg shells can cause kidney issues.
At this point, they may not begin laying till after the winter solstice.
 

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