Nine-month-old Silkie still hasn't laid an egg. Is that normal?

[bawkbawkbawk]

I finally have five out of my six hens laying, but little Miss Silkie can't seem to be bothered. She will sit on the nest for an hour or two at a time but no egg ever appears. I know Silkies aren't big layers, but is it common for them to be completely non-layers?

 

[FireTigeris]

I have two of three silkie crosses to GLW that don't lay but once or twice a month.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

Once or twice a month seems to make sense. But NEVER? She has not laid one egg. Ever.

Good thing she's cute...

 

[FireTigeris]

She may be from a really slow to mature line, or she's lazy... Had a silkie rooster who was black didn't crow till he got away from the big boys at about one year

 

[Avienda]

I've been wondering the same thing! I have 6 silkie hens that will be 1 year at the end of April and I've still not gotten one single egg from them! I know they mature slower then other breeds but this slow??

 

[FireTigeris]

Yes pretty much, they will likely lay the spring in or after they are a year old. Some mature really slowly, some lines got something in them that they are quicker.

 

[aoxa]

I have a silkie about the same age that has yet to lay. I also have younger ones that have started. Obviously her mother laid (duh!), but she sure is taking her sweet time! I think she may be getting close! I saw her squat for my roo yesterday for the first time ever, and in my experience, my roos predict when they are close to laying within a couple of weeks. Only if the hens let them mate, not if he forces himself.

It will be a proud day when Lorraine finally lays! I'll tell you that right now!

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

Well, at least I'm glad to hear mine is not the only one. She spent the entire day on the nest today. Still has never laid an egg. So should I assume she's going broody without ever having laid an egg? How backwards is that?!

Starting to think she's not so bright. Good think she's cute!