My girls still not laying it is over 30 weeks, what's up?

[Churkenduse]

I got my girls in mid July and they told me they were about 2-3 wks old then that comes out to 33 weeks. One has started in Dec. a mixed Polish, the other 2 RIR's are doing nothing, and they are supposed to be winter hardy.
Any ideas?

 

[ebonykawai]

I don't think there's enough daylight for them to start laying.

 

[marcuscarr]

They must be boys. =]


Try putting a 60 watt lightbulb in the henhouse so it stays on 14-16 hours a day. They will come around.

Marcus

 

[Churkenduse]

Thanks I was considering that, I guess it is time.

 

[Wildsky]

Move a BBQ close to the coop - go inside and tell them you're having a party on Saturday night - you're either serving Deviled eggs, or grilled chicken - its up to them!

 

[HenHappy]

 

[Wildsky]

Hey it worked for me - you see my egg basket ? ?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=30187&p=4

My 8 std girls will be 25 weeks next Tuesday...... we don't use extra light.

 

[MissPrissy]

What breeds do you have? Some of the big heavy layers don't lay until nearly a year in age. The bigger the bird the longer it takes for the egg laying.

With shorter days and cold weather more energy is used in staying warm and survival than in laying eggs.

If you decide to add light to the coop please add the light in early morning - say around 4am. Let the chickens go to roost with sunset like normal - don't extend their daylight into the night.

What are they eating? Are they on starter/grower? Some people switchover to layer feed at 18 - 20 weeks but you really shouldn't give them layer feed intil they actually start to lay. They need the extra nutrients in the starter/grower.

 

[Churkenduse]

Move a BBQ close to the coop - go inside and tell them you're having a party on Saturday night - you're either serving Deviled eggs, or grilled chicken - its up to them!

Thanks Missprissy: I started layer feed when the other one stated laying about two months ago. They are a heavy breed RIR's

Thanks guys I am getting good stuff here.​

 

[seagullplayer]

I have found in the past that it is easier for a chicken to continue laying in cold weather, than it is to start laying in the winter, if you know what I mean.

They may lay all winter next year once you get them started. I agree, hit the lights!