New hens not laying

[EggSighted4Life]

Hey all. How long after bringing in hens until they start laying. We added 8 Buff Orpingtons to our flock and the previous owner said they were all laying. They've been here about three days an not one has laid a single egg. Do they normally need some time to adjust? How long before we should be concerned?

Either the previous owner lied about them laying or you are mistaken about their age. I've seen someone here on CL selling the same "7 month old" since February!

They are about 2 - 3 months old.

Not even white leghorns lay that young! Orpington to the best of my knowledge are on the slower side to mature.

At least now you have a little info. Thing is if they are that young they should still be eating a grower feed. To much calcium can cause kidney problems.

Also if they are at laying age they should have red combs and squat when you reach down on top to pet them.

Hope this helps you find out what you really have going on! Might be worth contacting the person you got hem from and see if you can get the truth.

Good luck!

 

[scackalaky]

They were sod as laying. We've been really good about making sure there is always fresh water and feed available. We also throw in a seed mixture that we got from tractor supply as a treat and some dried meal worms. During the day they have access to about a 650sf area. We will be expanding the fenced in area to about half an acre in the coming months. Fencing is not cheap!

We'll just be a little patient. Is there anything in particular that I should be feeding them to encourage production?

 

[chickens really]

No,just give them time.
If as what you bought as laying hens. It's just stress. They will lay again soon. Just keep feeding as you have been and routine will settle them down.

 

[junebuggena]

They were sod as laying. We've been really good about making sure there is always fresh water and feed available. We also throw in a seed mixture that we got from tractor supply as a treat and some dried meal worms. During the day they have access to about a 650sf area. We will be expanding the fenced in area to about half an acre in the coming months. Fencing is not cheap!

We'll just be a little patient. Is there anything in particular that I should be feeding them to encourage production?

You still haven't answered how old your new birds are. In order to assess their laying abilities, age is an important factor.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

You still haven't answered how old your new birds are. In order to assess their laying abilities, age is an important factor.

Oh, I see the 2-3 month age was not the original poster as I went back to see why you said there was no age yet.

Which makes my comment about either being lied to or mistaken about the age irrelevant.

They were sod as laying. We've been really good about making sure there is always fresh water and feed available. We also throw in a seed mixture that we got from tractor supply as a treat and some dried meal worms. During the day they have access to about a 650sf area. We will be expanding the fenced in area to about half an acre in the coming months. Fencing is not cheap!

We'll just be a little patient. Is there anything in particular that I should be feeding them to encourage production?

I have found field fencing with T posts to be the most affordable and easily movable.

You want to make sure you are not giving more than 10% of intake in treats. That can diminish laying as well as health.

 

[lifeteacher]

So, What I'm seeing here is that a 6 mo. old hen will probably start laying soon, no cause for concern. I had 4 "sex link" chicks that promised to be one roo and 3 hens. Surprise, surprise, turned out to be 1 hen and 3 roos. My poor hen was a nervous wreck. I got sold two of the roos that were most obnoxious and she has calmed down, but has not started laying. I plan to get her some girlfriends in the future. Should I put a round stone in her nest box?

 

[lifeteacher]

The breed is Golden Comet

 

[ChickenChaser9]

Putting a faux egg in the place you want her to lay could encourage her to use that place to lay her eggs but has no bearing on when she will start to lay eggs. Best wishes.

 

[lifeteacher]

Well, that makes sense. Thanks. I hope to get Wyandotte hens of laying age in a few weeks. Any idea what I can expect to pay?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Well, that makes sense. Thanks. I hope to get Wyandotte hens of laying age in a few weeks. Any idea what I can expect to pay?

Layers here go for $20- $25. $30 if they are organic.

Also a young layer is more valuable than 1 who is 2 years or older. Most will go through molt during their second winter. During that time they won't lay and often don't start until daylight hours increase. And if they mature to laying age to late in the year, They also may not start until next season. Some breeds are good winter layers though. The age one starts laying will vary according to the breed and the individual. I would expect a 6 month old to lay before long barring the other factors. I read Silkies don't start until 8 months.

Does she squat for you when you put your hand over her? Sex Links are breeds I am unfamiliar with. I do enjoy the Wyandottes I have so far.

Just beware you know how to tell a young roo apart. People aren't always honest. How did your sex links end up being roos? Talk about frustrating!

Waiting is so hard. Good luck!