Two 19 week old hens not laying yet.

[-Chanticleer-]

I have two hens both EE one polish mixed the other buff mix I believe not too sure. Neither of them are laying yet. Should I be giving them layer feed? We have nesting boxes in the coop along with a fake eggs so they know we’re to lay. Both combs have turned bright red about two weeks ago. Should they be laying soon? Also I have a 1 and a half year old hen who also is not laying. I believe she’s a production red and leghorn mix she was a rescue. Any advice would be great!

 

[nuthatched]

19 weeks is a bit early for most birds, most start at 22-24 weeks. Ees and polishes aren't known for their laying so ir might be later still.

 

[fluffycrow]

It's still early for your pullets. As for your ISA brown, some of mine do take a break at around the same age, which usually means they'll keep laying for longer long-term

 

[-Chanticleer-]

It's still early for your pullets. As for your ISA brown, some of mine do take a break at around the same age, which usually means they'll keep laying for longer long-term

In the meantime should I give layer feed or should I wait?

 

[nuthatched]

In the meantime should I give layer feed or should I wait?

It's OK to give it to them. Or mix half and half.

 

[-Chanticleer-]

It's OK to give it to them. Or mix half and half.

Ok thank you. Waiting for them to lay is like watching paint dry

 

[nuthatched]

Ok thank you. Waiting for them to lay is like watching paint dry

No, paint is quicker.
Chickens are spiteful.They'll cross their little legs as long as you keep checking. Give up and an egg will appear.

 

[rosemarythyme]

In the meantime should I give layer feed or should I wait?

I wouldn't but that's just me. You should have a calcium source such as oyster shell available on the side. My birds have always tended to lay late, like 26-28 weeks, so that extra 9 weeks of layer would pack on a lot of added calcium (and depending on feed, less protein), which isn't good for them in the long run.

 

[-Chanticleer-]

No, paint is quicker.
Chickens are spiteful.They'll cross their little legs as long as you keep checking. Give up and an egg will appear.

Lol I’ve given up on the isa I figure she’s past laying . I have five chicks ten weekstoo that I know it’ll be fall when they start l

I wouldn't but that's just me. You should have a calcium source such as oyster shell available on the side. My birds have always tended to lay late, like 26-28 weeks, so that extra 9 weeks of layer would pack on a lot of added calcium (and depending on feed, less protein), which isn't good for them in the long run.

ok are flaked or pellet shells better? To put to the side?

 

[citymeetscountry]

Have your birds started squatting yet or checking out the nest boxes? I agree it’s a tad early but I’d be looking for those signs besides just the red in the comb