The everlong wait :(

[Saraalexis17]

Brief synopsis: we bought pullets about 3 months back ranging in ages from 17 weeks 24 weeks.
when they got here one laid the day she came, then the following. Never again.
another bird laid quite a few and has since stopped.
It’s fall here, and now I’m wondering, do we seriously have to wait til spring for eggs .
I know it’s our fault as we got them at the wrong time, but I know they hatched mostly mid spring so I’m surprised we won’t be getting any. We’re in Pennsylvania with a decent winter so we’re bummed out to say the least.
Any input?
Some people on the fb byc page said first time layers will lay through winter but that’s seemingly not true as they’re all over 24 weeks at this point

 

[3KillerBs]

The stress of adapting to a new place can upset laying, especially if the birds were not in the same flock previously and have to sort out their pecking order.

I don't have direct knowledge, but 3 months seems a bit long for an adjustment period.

What are your management practices?

How big is the coop? How big is the run? (If they free range is there any chance they're laying in hidden nests?)

What do you feed them and how often?

Did they show signs of molt when they stopped laying?

Are you ABSOLUTELY SURE that they are young pullets and not older hens?

 

[Saraalexis17]

The stress of adapting to a new place can upset laying, especially if the birds were not in the same flock previously and have to sort out their pecking order.

I don't have direct knowledge, but 3 months seems a bit long for an adjustment period.

What are your management practices?

How big is the coop? How big is the run? (If they free range is there any chance they're laying in hidden nests?)

What do you feed them and how often?

Did they show signs of molt when they stopped laying?

Are you ABSOLUTELY SURE that they are young pullets and not older hens?

Thank you for your detailed questions!!
It does seem a bit long. They’re on kalmbach layer feed, coop is 8x10, there’s no run, they essentially free range in a large area fenced in by an electric fence. I’ve scoured the area and have found no eggs.

they get a mix of fermented feed and dry feed, free choice grit and oyster shell. Very occasional table scraps of fruit, veggies meat, occasional treat of meal worm.

One single hen is molting as of this past week so that answers her mystery.
I am pretty positive they are young pullets. I know they’re not bantams and they are smaller but getting large, came with very pale combs that have since become quite red. Yet no eggs

I know they aren’t Roos either, no saddle feathers.

 

[3KillerBs]

Thank you for your detailed questions!!
It does seem a bit long. They’re on kalmbach layer feed, coop is 8x10, there’s no run, they essentially free range in a large area fenced in by an electric fence. I’ve scoured the area and have found no eggs.

they get a mix of fermented feed and dry feed, free choice grit and oyster shell. Very occasional table scraps of fruit, veggies meat, occasional treat of meal worm.

One single hen is molting as of this past week so that answers her mystery.
I am pretty positive they are young pullets. I know they’re not bantams and they are smaller but getting large, came with very pale combs that have since become quite red. Yet no eggs

I know they aren’t Roos either, no saddle feathers.

Sounds like you're doing everything that people recommend. It's a mystery.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Some breeds lay sooner than others. I am not sure what breeds you have but if I remember right Marans don't lay until 8 months (that might be wrong so someone correct me) but your Easter Egger/Americana should be laying. Do you have a ceramic egg in the nesting box so they know where to lay? I'd also suggest locking them in a more restricted space for a couple days because I have thought someone stopped laying only to find a clutch of rotten eggs in the most obscure place. Just a thought

 

[LaFleche]

Kalmbach layer feed provides only 16-17% protein, which would be insufficient for younger pullets and they would need much longer to get to POL.
And any other feed that you give them (besides meat or fish or eggs) will only lower the protein percentage even more.

I would put up a coop camera to find out what is going on. Perhaps the eggs are being stolen.

 

[Saraalexis17]

Some breeds lay sooner than others. I am not sure what breeds you have but if I remember right Marans don't lay until 8 months (that might be wrong so someone correct me) but your Easter Egger/Americana should be laying. Do you have a ceramic egg in the nesting box so they know where to lay? I'd also suggest locking them in a more restricted space for a couple days because I have thought someone stopped laying only to find a clutch of rotten eggs in the most obscure place. Just a thought

Locking them in a more restricted place is a good idea, I believe that is my next step. We do have two marans so I’ll note to expect theirs late. Thank you so much!

 

[Saraalexis17]

Kalmbach layer feed provides only 16-17% protein, which would be insufficient for younger pullets and they would need much longer to get to POL.
And any other feed that you give them (besides meat or fish or eggs) will only lower the protein percentage even more.

I would put up a coop camera to find out what is going on. Perhaps the eggs are being stolen.

Interesting!! I wonder if that could be the cause of their lack of laying. Do you mind if I ask to explain how adding meat/fish/eggs will lower the protein even further?

 

[LaFleche]

Do you mind if I ask to explain how adding meat/fish/eggs will lower the protein even further?

Anything other than meat, fish or eggs.

Meat, fish or eggs are fine, as they also need animal protein and nowadays commercial layer feed usually only contains plant protein derived from peas, soya etc.

 

[Chicken Heel]

More than likely just the shorter day cycle of Autumn causing the issues. As for the Kalmbach layer, I fed this years pullets that brand beginning at 15 weeks of age and all twelve of mine began laying by week 18. And they are still going like gangbusters. Is it possible yours are eating their eggs? If so, I have a potential remedy for that as well but it might be frowned on by some folks.