I have two pullets that are both 24 or 25 weeks old. One is a pure black Ameracuna hen and the other a very plump golden laced wyondotte hen. They don't lay eggs. The GLW may have layed one or two but not sure. She sleeps in the egg box at night and seems to like being in there. The Ameracuna is totally uninterested in egg box and runs around like a teenager and wants to play. I saw the rooster on the Ameracuna and know she's fertile. I looked at both their vents and I can get only 2 fingers between the Ameracuna's pelvic bones.. The GLW I'm not sure what is going on. Since both are healthy and energetic, I'll keep them around awhile longer. Has anyone run into this before? Kim
It doesn't always happen at 24 weeks exactly. Sometimes it can take weeks/months longer. Signs they're starting to lay are reddening of the comb, squating for the rooster(or you if you dont have a rooster)- If the're doing that I'd look for a secret nest, maybe they're not sure where they're supposed to lay. If you think they're defective you can always send them to me!
I wouldn't worry yet. I have two Olive Eggers from this year's hatch who are still holding out on me - they're 31 weeks old. All the others started laying quite a while ago. There are also EE's in my original flock who I remember starting to lay quite a bit after the others. There's a wide range of "normal" for laying age.
Yep. I am still waiting on 4 of my nine to lay, and they were 27 weeks yesterday: three EE's and one Cuckoo Maran.
Our black rock started laying just before 25 weeks. The orpington and orpington cross we're still waiting on going on week 27.
If they free range, make sure there isn't a hidden nest! That happened with us. Finally decided to stalk our white rock one morning and found her going to lay under an old satellite dish with 10 other eggs already under it. You think you've been waiting a long time...we are still waiting for an EE to start laying. At almost 8 months old now! From what I've heard EEs & Ameraucanas are late bloomers. Just be patient, they will lay when they are ready.
