no eggs!

[sufei]

I have 3 "red cross" (mutts) chickens that are about 21-22 weeks old. I have not seen an egg yet. Are they not old enough? They live in a coop that is windowless, therefore dark, with an outdoor yard that is available to them during the day. I let them wander around the yard from about 5-8pm every day as well as 8 hours out and about on the weekend days. Is it from lack of light that they are not laying eggs?

 

[Brindlebtch]

Chickens need 14 hours of light a day to lay, I believe. But yours may not have gotten around to it yet.

 

[jjthink]

Do I understand correctly that they are in a windowless place except for 3 hours a day in the yard on weekdays? If so, that is ay too little light just for living a healthy life, eggs aside. Ideally, they should have the same amount of light each day that is natural for that time of year. Shorter days in winter allow their bodies a rest from relentless egg laying.
They need a window or access to a predator proof run to get outside in as they wish during daylight hours.
JJ

 

[sufei]

They have access to an outside area all day and all night (it is predator proof). My concern is that they spend too many hours inside rather than outside to get enough hours of light to lay eggs.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. I think you need light. The average is 20 to 24 weeks for the pullets to start to lay. The light may be a factor.

 

[jjthink]

Okay, got it I think. They're not just out from 5-8 then. They should be fine. It's a little surprising though, that they are choosing to be inside in the dark when they could be out..Not sure what your weather conditions are, if they need/have shade outside etc etc. If it's possible to get a window in your coop so they can rise and shine with the sun and go nighty night at dusk this would be good....
JJ