Only one out of eleven is laying, normal??

[lovetocook]

First time I have raised chickens. I have 6 Buff Orpingtons and 5 Black Australorps. One BO started laying 6 days ago, I have gotten 4 eggs from her but she is the only one laying so far. They are all the exact same age & all raised together. They are 23 weeks old. Is it normal for one to start a week before any others? She is laying in the nest box in the coop, they free range most of the day, usually at least 8 hours & return to the coop at dusk.

 

[journey11]

My black australorps are off to a slow start too. I don't get nearly as many eggs from them as the EEs.

 

[lovetocook]

Thanks journey, I think I'm just being a nervous new mother.

 

[journey11]

Oooooh, I didn't think of this before...you said they free-range most of the day. They could also be hiding their eggs from you while they are out and about. It may take them awhile to get used to using the nest boxes. I kept mine in for about a week after they started laying until I quit finding eggs in the run or otherwise not where they should be. I also put a dummy egg in the box. They come back into the coop when they want a drink or need to lay.

It's hard to keep them in, I know! I swear they give me puppy dog eyes as they press against the door en masse.