Not laying

[nyumbakuku]

I have 4 chickens. All different breeds, barred rock, black sex-link, buff O, and an Easter Egger. The barred rock and sex-link started laying about 2 weeks ago, pretty much when I expected them to. The other two have not started. Do different breeds start laying at different times? Or do some chickens never lay? They are all the same age by one or two days. thanks, Mary

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have 4 chickens. All different breeds, barred rock, black sex-link, buff O, and an Easter Egger. The barred rock and sex-link started laying about 2 weeks ago, pretty much when I expected them to. The other two have not started. Do different breeds start laying at different times? Or do some chickens never lay? They are all the same age by one or two days. thanks, Mary

Different breeds mature at different rates, and individual birds within those breeds can mature at different rates as well. How old, in weeks, are your birds? Can you take photos of the birds and post them - seeing them can help us to point out to you the different indicators that your birds are showing in regards to how close they are to starting to lay. If you compare the comb and wattle color and appearance (ie waxy and plumb vs dry and shrively) between those that are laying and those that are not you can likely see the little differences.

 

[aart]

OGM nailed it.

Here's some more tips:

Signs of onset of lay---I've found the pelvic points to be the most accurate.
Squatting:
If you touch their back they will hunker down on the ground, then shake their tail feathers when they get back up.
This shows they are sexually mature and egg laying is close at hand.

Combs and Wattles:
Plump, shiny red - usually means laying.
Shriveled, dryish looking and pale - usually means not laying.
Tho I have found that the combs and wattles can look full and red one minute then pale back out the next due to exertion or excitement, can drive ya nuts when waiting for a pullet to lay!

2 bony points(pelvic bones) on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.

 

[nyumbakuku]

Thanks to both of you. I can see that the buff's wattle and comb are getting redder. This gives me hope that she will start laying soon. The EE is difficult as she really has no wattle and her comb is basically two flat rows of bumps. But from what you have said, I am now optomistic that both will start soon. thanks, M

 

[Pork Pie]

Thanks to both of you. I can see that the buff's wattle and comb are getting redder. This gives me hope that she will start laying soon. The EE is difficult as she really has no wattle and her comb is basically two flat rows of bumps. But from what you have said, I am now optomistic that both will start soon. thanks, M

It seems we have a Swahili speaking member? I live in Kenya so i had to smile at your name. For those non-Swahili speakers, it means chicken house.