New Hens not Laying Yet-- Why?

[Hotarf]

Hi Folks

I've recently started a new small flock after a predator disaster.

For a variety of eggs in the basket we decided to mix breeds. (formerly we had only ISA Reds.

We bought a young Isa Red and a Leghorn. The Red started laying within days but the Leghorn did not. We then added to young Silkies to the flock. One of the Silkies laid a small egg day 1 and then nothing.

Currently we have had the Leghorn for 12 weeks now (I think she was 16 weeks old when we got her) and we've had the Silkies for 8 weeks (should be 20 weeks old by now).

Only the Red is laying. No eggs from the other girls.

Any thoughts on why? Are they just till too young?
Stress? They do seem to have formed a nice flock and all get along. Theyfree range in the yard a lot of the day and have a spacious coop and hen-house.

I'd be glad to hear any suggenstions.

Thanks!

 

[ronott1]

The best thing to do is to work on good husbandry.

Make sure they do not have lice, mites or worms
Feed is important and they need to have nearly 100% layer feed
Add some free choice oyster shell calcium.

Also check to make sure something about the way they are housed is not a problem. Too crowded and etc.

Another thing to check is things that go bump in the night like vermin running in the coop or a predator trying to get in.

Sometimes it can be a waiting game though. The leghorn should be a good layer but might be a dud. I do not know for sure but do not think silkies are the best at laying eggs. Good at hatching them though!

 

[Hotarf]

Thanks!

Yeah, I may have a dud Leghorn.
Thanks for the input