Slow Maturing Hen

[Lorenzo]

I have 2 Buff Orp. and 2 RI Reds that are all about 28-30 weeks old (all the same age). Three of these have been laying since late August-early September but one BO hen doesn't lay yet and her comb and wattles are not yet developed. The comb is just a small pale ridge on her head and the wattles are not even visible through the feathers. She is the same overall size as the other birds, lives and eats with them, free-ranging in my yard during the day with organic layer pellets always available. Otherwise, she seems very healthy and is even a bit more feisty than the others, not letting me get as close to her as the others but much more willing to peck my outstretched finger. Is this just within the normal range of development? Thanks for any feedback.

 

[gritsar]

Out of my 16 - 29 week old brahma hens I have four that aren't quite as developed as their sisters, some of whom started laying at 19 to 20 weeks. I'm just chalking it up to individual differences.

 

[Lorenzo]

The woman at our feed store thought that I might have a hen who thinks she's a rooster. She said she's seen this occur before with a roosterless flock. Great! It looks like I have a transgendered 'Henster'. Now, what s/he does in the privacy of her own coop is his business I guess, but I would like to see an egg or two!

 

[Omran]

Quote:
I don't know if you have the same problem I had!! But here it goes:
I had 2 Silver laced Wyndott with another 10 hens 3 of the 10 also were SLW 6 RIR and 1 Barred Rock.
All of them the same age and from one sourse all of them got big and mature but this two, I checked every where to know what the problem I even went to my cat's vet. I wormed them antibiotic etc extra care but both of them unfortunatelly end dade.
Both has one sighn the same and it was thier wings looked bigger than thier bodies and always (lately before they dide) hanging low or dreping down.
I don't want to scare you I just want to share what happen with me with you.

I wish you best Luck.

Omran

 

[tshowell]

I have the same thing happening to one of my BO. She is the same size as her "sister" but her comb and wattle are still a light color and not developed. She is not laying and acts very healthy. Her"sister" has been laying for several weeks. I am hoping come spring she will catch up. Her name is Crash, because she has a hard time landing Good luck with your BO. Hopefully they are just late bloomers.

 

[Mr. Frizzles Hen House]

One out my six BO is slow to mature too. Comb and wattles are still pink. The're about 25 weeks and some started laying at 23 weeks. She is my most curious about the eggs, wondering what they are I think. A little fighsty too. But I do have a rooster so I don't think your transgender thing will fly I'm not worried, just trying to be patient.

 

[Weasleymum]

At what age do BOs develop their combs and wattles? Mine are 13 weeks old and still comb-free.