No eggs at 17 weeks

[CaroleW]

In my area grower/starter is one feed and there is a separate layer feed. I think different areas have different availability of feed types. Just make sure they are getting enough calcium. Grower/starter feed that I use has emphasis on protien ingredients ( I can typically get 17% or 20% or go up to maybe 24% with gamebird feed). Layer feed here has emphasis on adding the calcium and the protien is bumped down to 16% if I remember correctly. You could also just add oyster shell in a separate bowl for the calcium (I don't do this unless I start to find soft-shelled eggs).

I don't think it matters color of fake egg - just something round - I use golf balls, white, dirty white, yellow...

Make sure they aren't hiding thier eggs wherever they dig- they may have covered them up by dustbathing or scratching.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Ya, I heard that whole 16 week thing.. I think it's a con to trick us into buying them, what many consider a plain ol chicken.. Though mine ended up being a favorite of everyone she was definitely closer to 22 weeks..

 

[EggSighted4Life]

In my area grower/starter is one feed and there is a separate layer feed. I think different areas have different availability of feed types. Just make sure they are getting enough calcium. Grower/starter feed that I use has emphasis on protien ingredients ( I can typically get 17% or 20% or go up to maybe 24% with gamebird feed). Layer feed here has emphasis on adding the calcium and the protien is bumped down to 16% if I remember correctly.

I used to use layer feed when I was told my birds would die if I didn't.

Now I NEVER use layer feed.. I ALWAYS use Flock Raiser and oyster shell is on the side for active layers..

Since learning the difference my birds have less harsh molt and return to lay sooner.

No, it doesn't matter which color egg you put where.. Just mark them well so they aren't accidentally collected.

 

[CHlCKEN]

My white leghorns are 17 weeks old and have not laid the first egg yet. They go up in their coop where the nesting boxes are every night. But I see IN FRONT of the nesting boxes they waller out areas in the wood shavings like nests. But do not go into the boxes where I have hay in there? Not sure what is going on. They have been on grower feed for 10 weeks and I have been putting grit out for about a month now. Am I just trying to rush them? I read that whiteleghorns tend to lay earlier than other breeds so was hopeul to have eggs by 16 weeks. I have been "smoothing back over" the wallered out spots in front of the nesting boxes hoping they will use the box instead. Should I not do that? Just let them lay wherever they feel comfortable?

Most hens don’t start laying until 20 weeks of age. (Depending on the breed) Their combs and wattles should be bright red, and they should squat when you try to pick them up, these r signs that they are POL

 

[Vickischics]

How egg-citing!
Consider the wait like waiting for a Newborn to be delivered. Lol
You mentioned you have hay in your boxes. It has been found to have Pine shavings as the preferred choice. It allows them to wiggle themselves down onto your fake eggs. You will also hear her make more noises as the egg is traveling down the "shoot". LOL
It will be/could be small, irregular shape and have alittle blood on it.
You will/could a "Fairy" egg where she gives you a double yoke. That will end after a bit of routine laying so, enjoy the surprise of a double yoke. I always feel "Lucky" when I get one anymore.
My one RIR screamed the entire time during her first egg laying experience. I gave her a Big Fat juicy nightcrawler after that! I'm a labor Nurse and wanted to help her but could not. It was terrible for me too! Lol
Afterwards, I picked her and "preened" her and she leaned into my chest. I told her how proud I was of her. Now, she lays Everyday without fail even in this 100 degree Florida heat.
Let us know and of course post a picture of your new laying Pullet.
I will be waiting to hear all about it.

 

[chickity-chick]

Are their combs and wattles bright red? That will occur a week or two before they start laying, as I understand it.

my chickens combs and waddles have been huge and red for 4 weeks now and still no eggs- they are 20 week old red sex links. Do you think i have something to worry about since its been way longer than 2 weeks?

 

[chickity-chick]

How egg-citing!
Consider the wait like waiting for a Newborn to be delivered. Lol
You mentioned you have hay in your boxes. It has been found to have Pine shavings as the preferred choice. It allows them to wiggle themselves down onto your fake eggs. You will also hear her make more noises as the egg is traveling down the "shoot". LOL
It will be/could be small, irregular shape and have alittle blood on it.
You will/could a "Fairy" egg where she gives you a double yoke. That will end after a bit of routine laying so, enjoy the surprise of a double yoke. I always feel "Lucky" when I get one anymore.
My one RIR screamed the entire time during her first egg laying experience. I gave her a Big Fat juicy nightcrawler after that! I'm a labor Nurse and wanted to help her but could not. It was terrible for me too! Lol
Afterwards, I picked her and "preened" her and she leaned into my chest. I told her how proud I was of her. Now, she lays Everyday without fail even in this 100 degree Florida heat.
Let us know and of course post a picture of your new laying Pullet.
I will be waiting to hear all about it.

AWE your RIR sounds adorable. What a good baby

 

[chickity-chick]

May also depend on how much daylight you are getting in your location. This time of year days are getting shorter so less eggs are laid naturally. You could use supplemental lighting to get the hours of daylight closer to 14 hours (I believe that is for optimum laying- please do your own research) if you want to force the issue. Some are opposed to this, I don't use it being in AZ.

Also have you started to mix in layer feed yet?

I was wondering about lighting as well. I get 12.5 hours of day light here and my pullets have red combs but have yet to start laying. I wonder if they will wait to lay even though they are 20 weeks old...

 

[The Happster]

my chickens combs and waddles have been huge and red for 4 weeks now and still no eggs- they are 20 week old red sex links. Do you think i have something to worry about since its been way longer than 2 weeks?

No. You have nothing to worry about.

Each bird is different, each breed is different. They aren't unhealthy because they don't lay perfectly on time.
I've had birds take as long as 8+ months.

 

[drinkoj]

This should be an interesting thread to watch, as I'm sitting at 17 weeks with Leghorns and ISA Browns too and these chicks combs and waddles keep growing / getting redder, significant amounts each morning I see them.

Which one of us will be the first to have an egg and who will be the first to have a shelled egg? The race is on!