My hens @ 6.5 months are still not laying

[594chickens]

I've realized that they sleep in the nesting box so I blocked it with a screen 3 days ago and placed an egg there so that they should see it.
Today I removed the screen and they went right back to sleeping there.

I'm wondering if they might be late layers
1 blue Andalusian
1 Rhode island red
1 buff orpington

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You said you were feeding a layer already? Many times if you switch them before they begin laying it will slow down maturity. I recommend continuing on a grower at least until they are all laying, but personally I never feed a layer. Your extras are also diluting you daily protein.

This time of year it generally take an extra month to the expected start date to begin laying.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've realized that they sleep in the nesting box so I blocked it with a screen 3 days ago and placed an egg there so that they should see it.
Today I removed the screen and they went right back to sleeping there.

I'm wondering if they might be late layers
1 blue Andalusian
1 Rhode island red
1 buff orpington

Your breeds look more like a blue Orpington, unless that's feathers on the side of the legs? A new Hampshire perhaps and an Orpington.

 

[HuffleClaw]

My blue orps laid their first eggs at 8 months old.

 

[LottieRaz]

My girls are about 7 months old and still not laying either! One of them is a bluebell too.

Learning patience...

 

[594chickens]

You said you were feeding a layer already? Many times if you switch them before they begin laying it will slow down maturity. I recommend continuing on a grower at least until they are all laying, but personally I never feed a layer. Your extras are also diluting you daily protein.

This time of year it generally take an extra month to the expected start date to begin laying.

Are you saying I should go back to grower feed?

 

[594chickens]

I'm done with patience the hens seem pretty mature to me

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Are you saying I should go back to grower feed?

That's entirely up to you. Two of your hens look close.

 

[HuffleClaw]

Hey, some hens take longer than others. And your buff hen doesn’t look ready, although the other two do. Just wait. And are you 100% sure the eggs aren’t being eaten?

 

[594chickens]

If they are being eaten wouldn't I find at least some shells?
I haven't found anything.

I'm having a problem with them sleeping (and pooping) in the nesting box