My Chicks are 6 months old and no one is laying

[Baygirl]

I have 16 girls who were born in April. So far none of them have started laying. I still have them on the starter crumbles because they haven't stated laying. So they get the crumbles, some seeds and some raisins from time to time. All of them seem healthy and happy. I just don't understand why they aren't laying.

I also have 4 girls who are 1 1/2 years old and they now only lay once and a while.

I am at a lost with all of my girls. Any ideas are so much appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have 16 girls who were born in April. So far none of them have started laying. I still have them on the starter crumbles because they haven't stated laying. So they get the crumbles, some seeds and some raisins from time to time. All of them seem healthy and happy. I just don't understand why they aren't laying.

I also have 4 girls who are 1 1/2 years old and they now only lay once and a while.

I am at a lost with all of my girls. Any ideas are so much appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

What breed(s) are your pullets? Different breeds mature at different rates and while 6 months is an average time when most breeds might start to lay, the actual onset of production can vary up to 7+ months. Are they showing physical signs of maturing such as the reddening of combs/wattles, giving a "submissive squat", showing interest in nest boxes, etc? Just as with humans, chickens mature at an individual pace - they will lay when their bodies are ready.
The hens are slacking as they are at the age where their first big molt is to be expected and, depending on your location, possibly by shortened hours of daylight due to the season change. While pullets in their first laying cycle will often lay through that winter with no issue, hens that experience a fall molt are less likely to return to good, steady production until the following spring.

 

[Baygirl]

I have Wyonettes and Orpingtons. I live in the south near the water. A few of the girls have been molting but not all of them. They are showing signs of maturing. Most of there combs are red. Only a few of them are showing the submissive squat. I just put some golf balls in their nesting boxes to see if any interest but so far none. Our weather has been one week on the cool side and then the next back to warm. I know that can have an effect on things but really just getting a little worried about all of them. If they haven't started laying by the end of November what can I do?

Thanks!!!!

 

[aart]

I have Wyonettes and Orpingtons. I live in the south near the water. A few of the girls have been molting but not all of them. They are showing signs of maturing. Most of there combs are red. Only a few of them are showing the submissive squat. I just put some golf balls in their nesting boxes to see if any interest but so far none. Our weather has been one week on the cool side and then the next back to warm. I know that can have an effect on things but really just getting a little worried about all of them. If they haven't started laying by the end of November what can I do?

Thanks!!!!

You can wait....lol.....sorry, but that's really all you can do.

Do you free range? They might be laying out in the range area.


Signs of onset of lay---I've found the pelvic points to be the most accurate.
Squatting:
If you touch their back they will hunker down on the ground, then shake their tail feathers when they get back up.
This shows they are sexually mature and egg laying is close at hand.

Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.
Tho I have found that the combs and wattles can look full and red one minute then pale back out the next due to exertion or excitement, can drive ya nuts when waiting for a pullet to lay!

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.

 

[Baygirl]

Thanks for your knowledge!!! I don't free range because I have to many hawks. I do have two big runs for them. I will watch for the signs and hope it all works like it should!

Thanks again!