Ungrateful hens? Or I’m being impatient

[aart]

Yes, impatient...it's so hard to wait for those first eggs.
This time of year, with daylight decreasing, can put things off a bit.
Here's some tips on how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

and nothing but chicken poop

Well, that's something to work on before the eggs come.
If there is poop in the nests it usually mean they are sleeping in the nests,
a bad habit that, IMO, should be broken pronto.

Combs and faces will redden with extra blood flow to the extremities, especially the comb, to help cool them off when it's hot.

.....and just with exertion(red) vs relaxation(pale),
ButOhLordyYes....that can drive ya nuts!

 

[Shellebelle920]

They'll lay when they want to and not a day before. 19 weeks is still very early for most breeds to start laying.

So I’m being impatient I guess. I thought the leghorns at least would have started up this week, but I guess I assumed wrong. Lol! Thanks!

 

[Shellebelle920]

Yes, impatient...it's so hard to wait for those first eggs.
This time of year, with daylight decreasing, can put things off a bit.
Here's some tips on how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Well, that's something to work on before the eggs come.
If there is poop in the nests it usually mean they are sleeping in the nests,
a bad habit that, IMO, should be broken pronto.

.....and just with exertion(red) vs relaxation(pale),
ButOhLordyYes....that can drive ya nuts!

Thanks for the info! I was exaggerating about the poop. They leave me plenty of poop to clean up under their roosting bars in the morning. I only find a rare occasional turd on their nesting pad. Lol!

 

[Shellebelle920]

You're being impatient, yes. They'll lay when they are ready, there is no perfect clock for it as both environmental and social factors effect how and when they lay. Also, 19 weeks is on the super early side of laying anyway- honestly you're lucky to get eggs at 24 weeks. You've got a bit to go.
Thank you! I guess I am comparing to my sister who also got some chickens this past spring and they began laying about two weeks ago. I still enjoy and get much entertainment watching them though!

Keep spoiling them and they will reward you! ... eventually.