nearly 8mo old chickens not laying yet.. any suggestions??

[leones]

we have a small flock of 2 Rhode Island Reds, 2 Golden Sex Link, 2 Black Jersey Giants, with a JG rooster- it is late July and they were bought from a good source around Christmas. They are being fed high quality organic laying pellets supplemented with lots of greens, they always have fresh water. we live on the coast in California where it is not too hot or cold. they have a decent size pen 14ft in diameter and large coup, i have not free ranged them yet waiting for them to start laying in the boxes- i want to keep an eye on them and know when they start laying.
no signs of any disease
they come to me when i approach and eat out of my hands..

in my few years of having chickens i would expect eggs- i understand the JG take a bit longer but the other breeds are behind..

thoughts?

if you think they might have some sort of infection/parasite what are the signs/symptoms??

 

[Happy Chooks]

Do they have food available at all times or are you feeding them? If you are feeding them, how much are you feeding?

 

[leones]

they have laying pellets and water when ever they need it. bin is always full- with lots of healthy greens and scraps.

food is not the issue, water is not the issue, too hot or too cold is not, space is not... not sure what is..

more thoughts?

 

[Den in Penn]

With young hens I would expect a few eggs even with parasites. Hidden nests or something taking the eggs before you. I have a good use for a store bought egg, put it in the nest to see if it disappears.

 

[Cotton42]

What do their combs look like? Are they red? Are they squatting for you?

 

[Happy Chooks]

Do you have pictures of the flock?

 

[saracb75]

I have a lav orpington who is approaching 8 months and 6 month old barred rock, neither of which have started laying yet. They were on medicated chick feed for their first 6 months and 4 months respectively and then put on layer feed. They have constant feed and fruit/veggie leftovers, oyster shell, grit, fresh water and clean, roomy coop. I allow them to free range at least an hour most days but they always stay in certain area and no eggs are hidden. As far as I can tell, the nesting box has never been occupied at all. It is clean as a whistle. The lav orpington has a tiny comb that is completely grey, not even a hint of pink or red anywhere on her. Barred rock's comb etc is bright red and normal size. I also have 4 12 week old pullets that are housed separately at night (on grower feed) and they all mix happily when loose. No roosters, this is a girls-only flock and all appear healthy and vigorous. I'm going to put in a store bought egg and see what happens but wondering if anyone has any other suggestions or advice.

 

[janinepeters]

Very strange that none are laying. As someone else said, I would wonder if they are hiding the eggs in some nook or cranny, eating the eggs themselves, or something else is getting in and eating the eggs. Do any of them squat yet? Put a store bought egg in the coop, and see if it disappears?

 

[leones]

thanks. i will do that. i have plastic eggs in there to encourage and inspire.. will put a real egg in there- will get a photo

 

[leones]

update!!!

put in two eggs a few days ago in their coup that has proven to be predator proof- but thought it was a good idea.. and they are still there. not a sigle crack or sign of harm to them.. it is now august and still none of the hens laying..