None of my hens are laying

[Sophie4321]

It does suggest to add corn

Do you have to mix with corn because the layer feed bag tells you to for a complete feed?

 

[Sophie4321]

Last winter your hens were still pullets and when pullets first start laying they will often lay throughout the winter. In the second year most hens will take a break in the winter months when the light levels are low.
For free range egg producers they keep the egg supply going over the winter months by ensuring they have first time laying pullets read y to lay that winter.
I am of course assuming it is winter wherever you are.

The majority of them are pullet who hatched june-august

 

[Melky]

It does suggest to add corn

Ok and you are adding as the bag instructions suggest with the 75/25 ratio? I assume. I know many people who serve a chicken feed with corn successfully, but this seems a high ratio of corn to me. I used Natures Best organic starter grower 18% protein from TSC when mine were growing until laying stage then switched to Big Sky No corn No soy organic layer mash 16% protein as a personal choice once laying with poultry grit and OS free choice. Mine went into lay this year at 28 weeks during the winter. Second year they have the first adult molt which may cause hens to stop laying and decreased daylight hours as well. Right now we are about 10 hours of daylight and each month increase by an hour approximately till at about 14 hours of daylight when things really should kick into gear. Each year as hens get older, production may drop a smidge. Many people get more hens when production drops but go by spring supply not winter because you can get as many hens as you want and will still have a decreased supply over the winter due to molt and decreased daylight hours. If later in spring still same would switch feed then if still not laying.

 

[Melky]

Additionally, I forgot to add some breeds are larger hens and will take longer to lay eggs especially if first year because they take longer to get to breed weight and mature. Winter may slow this down if maturing during winter time meaning late spring to first of summer baby chicks.

 

[Shadrach]

My appologies, then I don't understand your post.

Normally this time of year I have at least a few laying.

This implies that some are not pullets if you've noticed they laid last year or other years.
Those that are pullets may not be ready to lay yet.

 

[Melky]

Another thought as well pardon me for so many posts! You also have a lot of bantams 8 and bantams will lay anywhere from 0-3 eggs per week so not great layers. If you want great layers you need to look at what the best layers are so you are not disappointed when your hens do not produce as much. Other factors previously mentioned by all still apply here as well but at least you know the breed will produce given the right set of circumstances. In the future, would stick to best layers in Standard Fowl if egg production is important to you. Attached is an article on choosing the right breed for you. Inside is a zip file breed chart that you can look at decide what breed is best for your area and who the best layers are. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/choosing-the-right-breed-for-you.74446/ Hope this helps!

 

[SixNolans]

I have 8 orpingtons 4 of which are pol and the rest are about 18 months
8 bantams pol
3 marans pol
1 aracuna pol
2 hybred layers 18 months and 2years
1 ? Pol
None of them are laying. Normally this time of year I have at least a few laying.
The aracuna layed for about 2 weeks and so did one of the bantams but then stopped
What can I do to encourage them to layView attachment 1661776 View attachment 1661778 View attachment 1661779

We placed golf balls in the nesting boxes and it has worked with us!

 

[Sophie4321]

Another thought as well pardon me for so many posts! You also have a lot of bantams 8 and bantams will lay anywhere from 0-3 eggs per week so not great layers. If you want great layers you need to look at what the best layers are so you are not disappointed when your hens do not produce as much. Other factors previously mentioned by all still apply here as well but at least you know the breed will produce given the right set of circumstances. In the future, would stick to best layers in Standard Fowl if egg production is important to you. Attached is an article on choosing the right breed for you. Inside is a zip file breed chart that you can look at decide what breed is best for your area and who the best layers are. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/choosing-the-right-breed-for-you.74446/ Hope this helps!

I've only really got them cos they are cute and the hatching eggs at the market were 50p for 6
I've currently got quite a lot of leghorn eggs in the incubator to try to get more eggs next winter

 

[Melky]

I've only really got them cos they are cute and the hatching eggs at the market were 50p for 6
I've currently got quite a lot of leghorn eggs in the incubator to try to get more eggs next winter

Leghorns are egg laying machines around 300 per year most in volume. Good Luck! Plus very pretty. Foghorn Leghorn you know! Where are you from Sophie? One of my Golden Buff's is named Sophie. Love the Name.

 

[Sophie4321]

Leghorns are egg laying machines around 300 per year most in volume. Good Luck! Plus very pretty. Foghorn Leghorn you know! Where are you from Sophie? One of my Golden Buff's is named Sophie. Love the Name.

Im from wiltshire, England