No eggs yet

[g0vtmule]

We have two Bielefelders. Born in mid May, Full sized and eating healthy (free ranging and organic feed). I know this is probably a bad time to expect them to lay eggs, with the daylight getting shorter and the temperature turning colder (We are on MD Eastern Shore - so its dipping into/below freezing at night and 45+ during the day).

What else can we do? Mama is getting hungry for fresh eggs!!! We had a local tell us we needed a rooster to get their juices flowing to start producing. While that makes sense, I can't believe that's a "requirement" for them to start egg production. And if it is, is there a hormone / supplement that we can give to stimulate them. Do we wait it out? Will Mother Nature tell them its time to start production?

Suggestions welcome..... Thanks
Dean

 

[azure_]

Ok, this is what I'm thinking. It is approaching winter and egg production either drops completely or drops a lot. Chickens like/need at least 10 hours of daylight to form an egg. I would expect eggs In the spring though! Oh and you don't need a rooster that is a myth,

 

[nuthatched]

...... Oh and you don't need a rooster that is a myth,

not so much a myth but something people (Ie idiots) who slept through biology class say.

 

[azure_]

well yes. They lay fine and are less stressed without a rooster. no over mating without one

 

[rosemarythyme]

You do not need a rooster nor any sort of stimulant/hormones (egads no). They'll lay when they're ready, which might not be until spring due to the fact that daylight hours are short right now.

 

[aart]

What else can we do?

Wait. Be patient.

Days will be getting longer here soon...10 days until Winter Solstice!
So any time between then and Spring Equinox you'll see eggs.

Here's some tips about how to tell.....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[2ndTink]

I have two pullets that were born in June, one just laid her first egg 3 days ago (RIR) and the other isn't squatting yet (BR), I don't have a rooster either. Patience is the best answer, and easier said than done!

Once they start squatting it won't be long, but even those few weeks of waiting are hard