Pullet not laying

[cate1124]

I have a 6.5 month splash-laced red Wyandotte pullet who shows no indication of laying, though my other March chicks started a month or better ago. She is of good size, active and apparently healthy. She is getting enough food and water, though she has a meek disposition, is flighty, and is at the bottom of the peck order. (I have five elder hens and six youngsters.) I have never experienced this with a pullet. Gail Damerow says it's unlikely that a pullet who has never laid is an internal layer, and suggested that peck order stress is the most likely culprit.

Any other ideas? Has anyone else had this experience? Is it possible that a healthy pullet occasionally comes into lay much later than what is typical?

 

[wamtazlady]

I had a Buff Orpington that did not lay until she was 11 months old. She was perfectly healthy. As with all things related to living creatures, there can be great differences in how each matures. Some are late bloomers.

 

[bruceha2000]

I agree, the longest I've had to wait is about 31 weeks - over 7 months.

 

[cate1124]

I had a Buff Orpington that did not lay until she was 11 months old. She was perfectly healthy. As with all things related to living creatures, there can be great differences in how each matures. Some are late bloomers.

Thanks! This is reassuring. My birds have plenty of space and multiple feeders and waterers, so while she's bottom of order, it's hard to believe it's creating enough stress to keep her from laying.

 

[cate1124]

I agree, the longest I've had to wait is about 31 weeks - over 7 months.

Thank you! Good to know.