Please Respond - Chickens not laying yet

[chicken boy123]

Hi there. im new to this whole thing, but mine are only 1 year old and they are egg laying machines. I have no revolutionary secrets, but here are some things to consider: Feed them egg laying feed, allow plenty of space, and make sure they are not being harrased by somone or somthing. Also make sure that they are eating PLENTY of food. hope this helps!

 

[donrae]

OP--what breeds do you have? That can make a huge difference.

 

[Smoochie]

Hi  there. im new to this whole thing, but mine are only 1 year old and they are egg laying machines. I have no revolutionary secrets, but here are some things to consider: Feed them egg laying feed, allow plenty of space, and make sure they are not being harrased by somone or somthing. Also make sure that they are eating PLENTY of food. hope this helps!

It helps. Crowded space, limited food, and stress are huge contributors to low production. Breed and genes also can play a role.

 

[bluey]

I'd add that you should consider restricting their treats as well (pasta, veggies and scratch). It could be more of a function of the birds not getting enough protein in their diet. Layers need 16-18% protein and scratch only offers half that percentage while the other treats offer none.

Good luck!

 

[Blondiechic]

Its just come into summer over here in Australia and my three are laying like champions - my youngest just started...
Are you certain they aren't hiding them somewhere outside? Before the fox visited my girls free ranged the whole property, for ages I thought they weren't laying but discovered a secret nest when one went broody - I had to stalk her when she came out for food and found a massive pile!

 

[dquarles74]

OP--what breeds do you have? That can make a huge difference.

I have Buff Orps, Ameracaunas, Welsummers and Black Copper Marans that are all 27 weeks. My RIR and red sex links are older and still laying. I think the new egg I'm getting is from a Buff, it's that color.....

 

[dquarles74]

Are you certain they aren't hiding them somewhere outside? Before the fox visited my girls free ranged the whole property, for ages I thought they weren't laying but discovered a secret nest when one went broody - I had to stalk her when she came out for food and found a massive pile!

I've looked all over my land where they hang out and haven't found any - they like to hang out in the flower beds under the big plants. But I haven't found a stash yet....

 

[mhaddon]

Mine started laying very late this year because of the stress of our past summer heat slowing down growth. I was getting upset and finally switched feeds and moved to a bigger coop. We have a light so they get more light each day and I'm finally close to a dozen a day out of around 24 hens. I would love to see the number higher myself because they just started laying about 3 weeks ago. Mine free range a lot too so I may be missing some in the woods, even though the kids check. I'm pretty sure they burry them back under leaves.

 

[debid]

My mid-April chicks started laying in the fall months and they were all over the place -- 23 weeks to 42. Not kidding, 42 weeks was a Welsummer and I was beginning to think she'd wait until spring! But I also didn't add light last year. This year, I put up a light. I think the timer will serve you well. I found a website called gaisma.com where you can see day length and sunrise/sunset times throughout the year based on your location.

 

[donrae]

If they look mature, with nice plump red combs, your best bet is to confine them for a few days. You might think you're looking where they'd lay, but I'll bet you have hidden eggs all over. They don't lay where they spend most of their time, they go off and hide eggs to keep them safe.