One hen never lays !

[tasgoddess]

I have 3 hens - two of them have been laying for 9 months now, but one has never laid an egg. She's a freeloader, but she's pretty and I'm fond of her. They are all the same age. I wonder, will she ever lay ? Is there anything I can do ?

 

[Godsgrl]

Are you sure she's a hen? It's easy to make that mistake with chickens.

 

[tasgoddess]

She (?) has no comb development, doesn't crow - although I have heard her make a very weird cackly squawk. She also always gets any large insect that I may throw in the coop before the other girls even realise what it is... I never considered the fact that she might not be a she. She is no bigger and looks no different..

 

[10 point]

I would double check to make sure she is a she. but I have one who I assume never lays but I don't think you can ever be 100% sure. all chickens will not lay ever day. 2 eggs from three hens is average for most people to get.

 

[flowergirl60]

I have the same situation exactly. 3 hens, 2 eggs a day. And I know this one doesn't lay b/c I am home all day and see the 2 that lay. I know she is not laying anywhere else b/c I am always in the backyard and have found no eggs anywhere else. She is very sweet and keeps the peace between the other two. So she's here to stay even though she's a freeloader.

 

[tasgoddess]

Yes, I guess I'll just introduce a new hen this fall so that I have 3 layers, and keep my non-layer too. I'm positive she doesn't ever lay - it's pretty easy to tell when you only have 3... Good to know other folk have sterile hens too though.!