None of my pullets is laying

[aart]

I don't know where the myth comes from that chickens need 14 hours of daylight to lay eggs.

Think it comes from the duration of light for winter laying...to simulate peak daylight hours.

 

[imnukensc]

Think it comes from the duration of light for winter laying...to simulate peak daylight hours.

Probably so, but it's a myth nonetheless.

 

[WindingRoad]

View attachment 1660409 I have a young flock of backyard chickens, including one large Cochin, one Olive Egger (Black Copper Marans x Ameracauna), one Ameracauna and one Silkie. They are all between 6-10 months old and not one of them has laid a single egg yet. I have a good coop with four nesting boxes. They have full time access to Purena layer feed and they also have plenty of fresh grass. Additionally, I give them treats several times a week of kitchen scraps or black sunflower seeds.

Can anyone think of any reason why pullets this age aren’t laying? Is there something more I can do to encourage them? The only possible thing I can think of is that maybe their nest boxes aren’t big enough. I’ve included a photo. What do you think? Also, I’ve just added two 18 week old sex-links to my flock and I’m hoping that if they start laying at 22-26 weeks, as Sex-links generally do, that this may encourage my other hens to start laying.

Keep treats to 10% of your daily ration. I don't feed my birds scraps. They won't eat it anyway. Up your protein content. I feed 22% protein. My four birds have laid all winter. Most days 4 eggs. A BO and ISAB second winter. And 2 SLW that turned 20 weeks old about Christmas Day. And started laying then. I feed 22% protein, scratch, and mealworms morning and night. I watch what my birds eat. I feed Oyster Shell once a week right in with their food because I want to make sure they eat it. Again they won't eat on the side although many recommend feeding it that way. Eggs are mostly protein. We and our hens are what we eat. Protein in protein out. My birds also have access to feed all day long in the run. The problem with the feeder is that feed doesn't always come down for them to eat. It's the white one with red cover you see advertised here from Chewy.com. I have to take it out and slam it on the ground to get the food down into the PVC elbows and up to the level where they can reach it. Some times I have to run my hand down into the feed. At the present time I can't get into my run because there is a great deal of ice blocking the door from opening. Supposed to above freezing Monday and Tuesday so I can shovel it out and check that feeder. Crops are full at night time so I know they are getting enough feed.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Do they free range at all? Is it possible they are laying eggs elsewhere?

 

[aart]

Probably so, but it's a myth nonetheless.

That they need that much is a myth, yes.