What am I doing wrong???

[startingaflock]

I have had my 5 hens and 1 rooster since June (they were 5 and 7 weeks when I got them) and they still aren't laying. I am giving them layer rations, plenty of kitchen scraps and oyster shells. They have clean water everyday. They have a nest box with golf balls in it so they know where to go! Am I doing everything right? I'm starting to think that I will never get eggs! This morning when I went out, one of the golf balls was out of the nest box so I'm wondering if one of them went in and kicked it out and maybe that's a sign that they will start soon??!! I hope so! Any help would be appriciated.

I have 1 partridge chantecler, 2 ameracaunas, and 2 dominiques. The rooster is a partridge chantecler as well.

Please help!

 

[feathersnuggles]

Interest in the nest and moving the golf ball are good signs. Hope you get one soon!

 

[LuvinMyPeeps]

Hang in there - it's almost time! I think the first flock is the worst since you want those eggs soooo bad. They'll come, don't worry. I bet it will be only a couple more weeks....are their wattles pink or red at all yet? (if you aleady said that please forgive me - it's late here and I've had a long day at work

 

[Mrs. K]

The older neighbor (more experienced with chickens) said when their legs turn yellow too. Then you are getting close. Hang in there!

 

[ScoobyRoo]

It should be anytime I would think. I have one 'June' hen due to start laying also. I just havent caught her in the act yet.
Where are you from? I have heard sometimes extremely cold weather may hold them off till it warms up again. Not sure how much truth is in that. Hopefully not much, because I know you want eggs NOW.

 

[startingaflock]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement! I live in Southern Ontario. The weather has been so up and down here. I was thinking that maybe that had something to do with it but maybe I'm just impatient! I have put a light in the coop so that there is increased light and warmth so I'm hoping that it is soon. They're legs have been yellow for a while and their combs still a little pink, I guess. It's hard to tell with these girls as they don't have much of a comb. I guess I'll just wait a little longer!

 

[gsim]

What breed(s) do you have? It makes a big difference.

I have 24 June hens. 9 or 10 are laying, some since 16 weeks. My earliest layers are the Buff Comets (hybrids), but all four breeds are now contributing. But still, I have around 14 that are not, so I would not be concerned. My other three breeds of layers are Barred Rock, Black Australorpe, Rhode Island Red. The barred rock came in last in the egg laying, with only one right now producing.

 

[BackyardZooKeeper]

I wouldn't be worried, mine took forever to start laying. I have buff orpingtons and barred rocks and they all started at different times. What seemed to speed the process was giving them a little free range time and additional protein. I doesn't have to be anything special either. I have four kids and there is always someone who doesn't want their hotdog or pizza or peanut butter and jelly sandwhich. Chooks are omnivores so anything goes!
Sounds like you are doing absolutely everything right! My girls' wattles and combs turned red when they were ready to lay. If your combs are still small they just may not be mature enough yet. Protein in their diet may speed that up. Good luck!

 

[elrod]

The Barred Rocks i have were hatched June 1st, got our first egg in Oct., but I think other breeds mature at a later date. Your egss will be here soon. Have a pep talk with the girls and remind them of the key ingredient to CHICKEN N DUMPLINS!!!!

 

[CrazyFowlFreak]

I have chooks from a january hatch that aren't laying yet, either. hang in there!