Laying eggs?

[poopachino]

Hello everyone - I've got 4 chickens (2 black sex-link and 2 buff orpington) that are 20 months old today. I haven't gotten an egg yet and I'm wondering if they might be laying somewhere other than the coop. We do free range them on our fenced property and coop them at night - from about 7:00pm until about 7:00am. Is there any way to tell if they might be laying somewhere else? Is it possible that they haven't started laying yet?

Thanks for the help!

Gretchen in Maryland

 

[spydertoys]

You must mean 20 weeks old..right??
The sex links will start any day..the Orps will take a bit longer.

Check their combs..they will be bright red if they are laying.

 

[poopachino]

Duh - yes - 20 weeks old.

Thanks for the tip - I'll check the combs.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Comb color is a good indication but it not perfect. Same with examing the vent. This site gives you some good info on signs they are laying.

Pigment Color – Signs of Laying
http://msucares.com/poultry/management/culling.html#id

The only way I know to be sure is to keep them locked up and see if they are laying.

One of my Orpington's started laying at age 18 weeks. None of the others of any of my breeds have started yet (20 pullets total) and they are almost 20 weeks. Many people report that they don't get their first egg until much later. It greatly depends on the individual bird.