Late bloomers?

[Pinkter]

I bought 3 pullets the end of May. They were maybe 2 days old. It's December 16 and only 1 out of the 3 has started laying. Any ideas why the other 2 haven't started? I know it's winter and production slows but to not have at least laid 1 by this time seems strange.

 

[Peeps61]

Hi - the type of pullet you have may also be a factor. What type of pullets are they? I have three Easter Eggers I bought at the end of April and the were two days old also. They've been laying for about 7 weeks now, and I live in NW Florida, so winter daylight hours apply here too.

Just a bit more information about your birds and your coop setup, etc. would be helpful.

 

[donrae]

What breeds are they?

You should see a boost in production here soon, after Solstice and the days start to lengthen.

 

[Pinkter]

The one laying is a cinnamon queen. The 2 that still haven't started are an Americauna and a silver laced Wyandotte. They're with a rooster and 3 other hens. They free range all day.

 

[donrae]

Do they look like they're laying? Plump red combs? If so, you might try confining them to the coop for a few days and see what you get. Free range often equals weird places to lay eggs.......

 

[aart]

Do they look like they're laying? Plump red combs? If so, you might try confining them to the coop for a few days and see what you get. Free range often equals weird places to lay eggs.......

Ditto Dat^^^

Tho Ameraucana(probably EE) and especially Wyandotte can be slower to come into lay......they could be laying in range area.

Time to check some butts, if you really want to know:
Vent Appearance:
Dry, tight, and smaller - usually not laying.
Moist, wide, and larger - usually laying.

Pelvic Points 2 bony points(pelvic bones) on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.

Then maybe lock em up for a time:
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for 3-4 days (or longer) can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop 24/7 for a few days to a week, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.