Pullets not laying eggs

[MED747]

My white leghorns are 17 weeks tomorrow and haven't started laying yet any ideas

 

[Fred's Hens]

While the leghorn is an early layer, 17 weeks is still VERY early. Give it time. Patience.

 

[MED747]

So an average for leghorns

 

[Fred's Hens]

Not really such a thing. Different strains, different diets, etc. However, if they lay before 20 weeks? You're golden.

 

[MED747]

Ok thanks good to know

 

[ki4got]

Not sure what normal is, but one of my bantams laid her first today, they'll be 17 weeks old tomorrow.

have you started giving them oystershell to pick at? if not start asap, if they don't have adequate calcium to start laying they may end up with problems down the road.

I switched to layer mash about 3 weeks ago and started keeping oystershell out for them at that time too.

if they're getting layer pellets/crumbles and oystershell already, then don't worry, let nature take it's course. you'll find some lay sooner some later than the average in any breed.

 

[Noymira]

Fred's right, 17 weeks is a bit early, though some do lay that early. 18-24 weeks can be pretty "normal" for most breeds.

I wouldn't be concerned unless they are 26 weeks and still no eggs.