They're making me CRAZY!

[IamRainey]

I've got one chicken who lays. The other 2 simply won't. They're all 27 weeks old. The Plymouth Rock who lays started at 23 weeks.

Is there anything short of grabbing the other 2 by the neck and squeezing down their bodies until an egg comes out the nether end that would "encourage" them to get down to it?

 

[rebrascora]

Yes...... PATIENCE!!

 

[DaviJones]

Keep waiting, not only are the days short but some don't even lay until 30 weeks. Go easy on them!

 

[BYCforlife]

Same problem with me, although I see signs of "activeness" in the nesting boxes!

 

[Zoomie]

What are you feeding? Many people switch to layer pellets/crumbles too quickly, and those barely have enough protein to keep them going. Feeding higher protein can help.

And yes... patience. They have to become mature enough to ovulate.

 

[IamRainey]

::whines:: but patience is soooooo tough.......

 

[IamRainey]

Yes, they're all eating the same layer feed. And I supplement with fresh greens, meal worms and BOSS.

I thought layer was the highest in protein.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Clearly you need to have a talk with them. Explain to them the rent must be paid. Eggs or meat it's up to them. Bring out a cookbook with a picture of a roasted chicken on it.

Don't let them whine and cry about its too much pressure blah blah blah.
The rent needs to be paid.

Gary

 

[CannedMonster]

Yes, they're all eating the same layer feed. And I supplement with fresh greens, meal worms and BOSS.

I thought layer was the highest in protein.

Layer is higher in calcium.
Grower has more protein.
I switched mine back to grower because they seemed more satisfied.
I make sure they have plenty of free choice oyster shell and refill it when needed.

 

[rebrascora]

Grower has more protein.

Here in the UK Grower is often just 16% protein the same as Layer and the only higher one I can get is chick crumb at 18% but it is really difficult to get that unmedicated, so mine only ever get 16% protein once they are off chick crumb and don't seem to be any slower to mature, but I need to go steady on treats.
The important thing is to learn to read the labels on feed bags so that you know what you are getting.