Non laying Rhode Island Reds

[anavydoc]

I bought 5, 2 day old Rhode Island Reds in April, so they are about 20 weeks old now. Two of them have been laying small eggs for about two weeks now while the other three are not doing anything. Is this normal that some of them would be this far behind in producing?

 

[beetandsteet]

Yes, sometimes they can be behind. If they are 20 weeks old now, the other ones would have started laying at 18 weeks, right? That's on the earlier end of the scale, so don't worry about the other ones. Just to be safe, check them for any signs of disease, but I think they're fine.

 

[anavydoc]

What would be signs of disease? They appear healthy to me. Eating, lively etc.

 

[beetandsteet]

Signs of disease could be watery droppings, listlessness, sneezing, drainage from eyes/nose, not eating/drinking, limping, etc.
If they appear healthy, I wouldn't worry about it. Give them a couple weeks. I just did some research and RIR's can take up to 26 weeks to start laying. Hope this helps!

 

[donrae]

they're not behind at all. Average onset of lay is 20-26 weeks, that's a wide span. And some birds fall outside that range.

 

[anavydoc]

Thank you so much for all the help, I'm trying to be the best momma hen, and be patient all at once. And this is my first time at this.