Patiently waiting for eggs

[capriamom]

I had 3 chicks that are 6 months old but not laying any eggs still. Do I have to wait longer? What can I do to better their chance? Pls advise. Thank you!

 

[DStewart PDX]

What breed of chicken?

 

[capriamom]

Marans, Russian orloff

 

[DStewart PDX]

I'm not sure about the marans, but it looks like the orloffs can take six months to start laying. If you are in the northern hemisphere, they may just wait over the winter and start laying in the spring. You can try supplementing light over the winter to get them to start laying. I raised brahmas and jersey giants and they took a solid year to start laying!

 

[cypressdrake]

My French Black Copper Marans start laying at 5 1/2 to 6 months. Sometimes a few will go a week more.

 

[capriamom]

I live in Southern California where temperatures are high 70s and low 50s. Do you still advise it is wise to give them lights at night?