Still not laying -- any suggestions?

[SpottedCrow]

Most likely.
They use their resources to grow feathers, not eggs.
Birds moult 3 times in their first year.

 

[Dinah]

I've got 3 Buff Orps who are 5 mos old now, + a lovely hen (given to me as her chums were taken by predators) who seemed so huge when the BOs were introduced to her but now they're the big girls in the run. Well, the upshot is that she was a steady layer all along. Daylight diminished and she went into moult: no eggs. So, after letting her have a break from "work" and letting the BOs get a bit more hefty and mature, I finally set up a 25 volt light on a timer as the coop is very small, trying to get the timer adjusted and working properly. Really enjoy everyone's postings about their experiences. Today I made up a custom blend of feed to add to their diet. Inspiration came from article in Backyard Chickens. I rounded up some ingredients and mixed it up and gave them some. Wow! They love it. Used wildbird seed mix, sunflower seeds, hulled and whole. Added some proprietary feed mix too. Really would like to read postings from those who are mixing their own. I also think the list of treats in another subject area is so very useful and thanks to those who worked it up.

 

[s6bee]

I have been mixing seed for the girls too. I use wild bird seed, throw in some extra sunflower seeds, and flaxseed, with thier cracked corn. That keeps them pretty busy. Other than an occasional tomato, bread, etc. I am not preparing the extras like I used to. Of course they have thier crumbles too. They seem pretty happy with what they have. The one thing I have not given them in a while that they love is steel cut oats. Just love them...

S6bee

 

[dsegel]

Hi all,

Thanks for your posts. I'm really excited and have to tell you what happened today. I went down to the barn with the heat lamp/light to plug it in and figure out the best way to set it up, etc. It drew the birds like a magnet. They came right over to investigate and immediately started eating and drinking like crazy--more than I've seen them do since we got them. A couple of them even jumped up on the nesting box roosts and looked in like they were getting interested!

I went to the store and bought a timer and came back and set it to come on at 4 a.m. and off at 5 p.m. (which is almost dark here). When I came back they were all taking a nap underneath the nesting boxes, which is near the light. That's the first time I've seen them even near the nesting boxes except when I put food out for them.

Given their reaction to the light, I'm really anxious to see if they start laying now.

I'll keep you posted.

Denise