New RI Reds and other breed/not laying

[Edingerfarm]

I have 8 RI Red hens, they are almost 6 months old. They are not laying. I was letting them be free range all day, but started locking them in until early evening,thinking they were laying around the farm. But they just aren't laying. I feed equal parts layer crumble and scratch. I've tried oats and layer crumbles, still nothing.
I also was given 8 mixed chickens, still young but they were already laying. I've had them 5 days, and not a single egg. I'm beginning to get a complex. Ha.
I want them to be free range with supplemental food but I don't want them laying all over God's green acres.
I also have 12 mixed hens, who have totally stopped laying, they range in age from 6 to 4 years.
Can you all give any advise? I have 12 boxes total in two different coops, so there is plenty of space for laying.

 

[JadeFarms]

So right now is the time of year for egg production to slow down anyway, but it can take as long as 8 to 9 months for any chicken to start laying.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Like @JadeFarms said, it is the time of year when egg production goes down. I also noticed that you said you feed equal parts layer crumbles and scratch. Treats like scratch should not exceed 10% of their daily diet and should be fed in moderation.

 

[Aapomp831]

You said new RIRs? Like you just got them?

 

[JadeFarms]

Like @Aapomp831 said, you mentioned that they are new. They are in a new environment and may not be laying yet.

 

[SnootyHen]

Could it also be that all of them are getting used to new hens in the neighborhood?

 

[poultryprofessor]

Pullets may start laying anywhere from 18 weeks to 9 months of age. it depends on breed, nutrition, environment, etc.

In your case, I would be concerned about their feed. Commercial chick and layer feeds are designed to be complete diets with everything your chicken needs for the given lifestage. By feeding equal parts scratch to layer feed, you are reducing the nutrient density of their diets. This likely means they are not actually receiving enough nutrients to fuel growth and egg production. I would remove the scratch entirely. Feed just a grower feed (18-20% CP) or a high protein layer feed (18% CP).

Your older birds may be going into their annual molt. It isn't uncommon for egg production to drop this time of year while bids drop old feathers and grow new ones. Sometimes you will see strong evidence of molting (feathers everywhere), but not always.