Pullets haven't started laying.

[3915bkc]

Had only one chicken left, added four new ones to it several months ago. It took a while, but one started laying. Had a problem with mites--got that cleared up as much as I can determine--they had both stopped laying at that time. That's been 6-8 weeks ago. The two who were laying started up again, but the other three have never started. They are all different breeds, Easter egger, Golden Comet, and Barred Rock--the two that are laying are Australorp and Golden Comet. Give them layer feed, they seem healthy otherwise--any guesses. I'm going to treat again for mites if it ever stops raining, but I can't think of anything else.

 

[ChickenOwner2313]

Are you sure all the mites are gone? It looks like they should be laying by now if all the mites are gone, so you might want to check again for mites, and maybe get some antibiotics or something. It could also be stress because they are in a new environment.

Good Luck!

 

[aart]

Had only one chicken left, added four new ones to it several months ago. It took a while, but one started laying. Had a problem with mites--got that cleared up as much as I can determine--they had both stopped laying at that time. That's been 6-8 weeks ago. The two who were laying started up again, but the other three have never started. They are all different breeds, Easter egger, Golden Comet, and Barred Rock--the two that are laying are Australorp and Golden Comet. Give them layer feed, they seem healthy otherwise--any guesses. I'm going to treat again for mites if it ever stops raining, but I can't think of anything else.

How old are the birds?
What is your location in the world?
Putting your general geographical location in your profile can really help folks give better answers/suggestions.
Do your birds free range?
Is your coop and run plenty big for 5 birds?
Dimensions and pics of coop/run can help.

You should check them over real well for mites and/or lice again.
Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

If you do find some...check out this thread:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1134783/permethrin-spray

Are you sure all the mites are gone? It looks like they should be laying by now if all the mites are gone, so you might want to check again for mites, and maybe get some antibiotics or something.

Antibiotics will not treat a parasite infestation.

 

[3915bkc]

How old are the birds?
What is your location in the world?
Putting your general geographical location in your profile can really help folks give better answers/suggestions.
Do your birds free range?
Is your coop and run plenty big for 5 birds?
Dimensions and pics of coop/run can help.

You should check them over real well for mites and/or lice again.
Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

If you do find some...check out this thread:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1134783/permethrin-spray



Antibiotics will not treat a parasite infestation.

 

[3915bkc]

Maybe just posting the question helped, came home and had three eggs today!! Will follow through on closer inspection for mites though. Thanks! I'm in Cincinnati, they have a portion of the back yard, so free range in there. It's about 15x40 and has bushes and trees.

 

[ChickNanny13]

It's like watching a pot of water to boil I got one BO that's been laying since Sept 29, still waiting on the other 3 They're 27wks but been this route before They'll lay when they're ready

 

[sourland]

ChickNanny said it best - "They'll lay when they're ready."

 

[aart]

Maybe just posting the question helped, came home and had three eggs today!!

Starting a new thread and asking can work...have seen it happen SO many times!!
Didn't work for me tho.

 

[RUNuts]

ChickNanny said it best - "They'll lay when they're ready."

I would like to complain in the strongest manner possible. We run a tight ship and expect things to be done on schedule (said with a British accent and the way they pronounce schedule).

Seriously, where do I complain? I've been fussing at the chickens and they look at me like I'm stupid.