what should I do?

[abhaya]

I have 6 girls one is laying has been for a long time.
I have 5 younger ladies I am not sure of. If they are laying they are not doing it in the coop where I can find the eggs. Should I leave them in the coop for a few days to see if they ARE laying?

 

[kristim23]

Are you sure they are all at laying age? If so, I would keep them in the coop for a few days. Maybe if they see one hen laying in the same place over and over, they'll be inspired. Also, from what I've read, some girls are just late bloomers, so maybe they just aren't laying yet. Have you put fake eggs or golfballs in the nests? Keep in mind, though, I am completely new at this!
Hope you find some more eggs! In the right place, too!

 

[abhaya]

the youngest of the girls is july 6 the other ones I got from a kid down the road. he said that they had started to lay for him but I have had them 3 weeks with no eggs. They free range the older hen comes back to the coop to lay. I dont know if the younger girls are laying in the woods or just not laying. I have eggs ing the nest to show them where to go. They are real eggs from my laying hen. no one has messed with them.

 

[can you hear me now?]

Lock em up could be but I would say it is more likely they aren't laying yet. Usually a fast starter begins after about 18 weeks.

 

[abhaya]

am I just being impatient?

 

[Judy]

Are the combs and wattles red or pink? Do they squat?

 

[abhaya]

Quote:
NO they do not squat and run away from the roo

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

They still sound too young to lay. Give them a bit of time. My young girls always seem to follow the elder girls as to where to lay.

 

[abhaya]

Quote:
That is my hope that they will follow the leader and she definatly is the leader.

 

[Toast n Jelly]

Build them a run which will give you knowledge of their laying habits. Enclosing them will make sure that they lay in the nests and will let you know who's laying.
If you're in a hurry to find out if they're laying or not, check their vent if it's small and pink, not laying, if red they have started laying.