My Buckeyes not laying....

[Jammom]

We live in the Pacific NW and have a small flock (4) Buckeyes - as this is the max allowed for our area. That breed was recommended to us for egg laying and hardiness. Our hens are mature (should have started laying in September or October of 2020). Between the four girls we have only gotten 2 whole eggs...we have seen the remains of 3 or 4 other eggs, broken. A couple in the nesting area and the others down below on the ground. We also witnessed one of the hens eating the white part of an egg. Since we got them as pullets in July 2020 we've fed Purina Layena pellets (has oyster shell in it) and fresh water. Sand footing and shavings in the upper roost and nest areas of the coop. Just recently started supplementing with additional oyster shell. My question - why are my hens not laying eggs? The common answer I get is "well it is the time of the year when laying slows down", but these ladies have not been laying many at all as mentioned above - a total of under 6 since July 2020. Today is January 3, 2021. ANY SUGGESTIONS/FEEDBACK WELCOME!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Community!

Make yourself at home & have lots of fun!

 

[TheOddOneOut]

We live in the Pacific NW and have a small flock (4) Buckeyes - as this is the max allowed for our area. That breed was recommended to us for egg laying and hardiness. Our hens are mature (should have started laying in September or October of 2020). Between the four girls we have only gotten 2 whole eggs...we have seen the remains of 3 or 4 other eggs, broken. A couple in the nesting area and the others down below on the ground. We also witnessed one of the hens eating the white part of an egg. Since we got them as pullets in July 2020 we've fed Purina Layena pellets (has oyster shell in it) and fresh water. Sand footing and shavings in the upper roost and nest areas of the coop. Just recently started supplementing with additional oyster shell. My question - why are my hens not laying eggs? The common answer I get is "well it is the time of the year when laying slows down", but these ladies have not been laying many at all as mentioned above - a total of under 6 since July 2020. Today is January 3, 2021....ANY SUGGESTIONS/FEEDBA

Can you post some pics? We can look or signs of illness or deficiencies.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Oh, welcome to BYC by the way!

 

[Jammom]

Thanks! Do you want photos of the coop, the hens or...???

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Thanks! Do you want photos of the coop, the hens or...???

I more meant the hens, but photos of it all would be fine! Just trying to spot possible problems.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

The hens

 

[Jammom]

These photos are back when we first got them right after we finished the coop...I'll also send some pics from today...

 

[bobbi-j]

Not all pullets will lay their first winter. I have had it work both ways. From what I have experienced, the later they “should start” laying in the fall, the less chance they would lay in the winter.

Or, they could be laying but the eggs are being eaten before you see them.

 

[Jammom]

Here are photos from just now...we also put a light that shines in for "more daylight hours", another suggestion we received...