RIR @ 26 weeks haven’t started laying

[bigbuttkat]

I have 14 free range RIR hens, just a few days past 26 weeks and they haven’t started laying yet?? They get a non gmo, organic supplement feed, always have access to fresh water and I keep the coop cleaned. I have gone through all the online check lists and have raised chickens before and can’t figure out why they won’t lay?? Please any ideas on what could be causing them not to start laying??

 

[boskelli1571]

patience......sometimes hey take longer

 

[SueT]

If you are in the northern hemisphere, it may due to shorter days. And if this is the case, they may not lay until spring.....but if they are free range, I would be looking for hidden nests too....
btw welcome to BYC!

 

[Gray Farms]

If you are in the northern hemisphere, it is probably due to shorter days. And if this is the case, they may not lay until spring.....

Agreed.

They start when they want to and not a day before. Nothing you can do to change it. Patience

 

[aart]

They get a non gmo, organic supplement feed

What is the protein and calcium percentage of this feed?
..and how long have you been feeding it?

Time for an exam:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Then:
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @bigbuttkat
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