What's the longest time it could take for a hen to start laying?

[thealpha]

I have a black Australorpe that I got as a chick in early January of this year and she still has not started laying. I bought a Buff Orpington at the same time and that chicken has been laying non-stop for at least a month now. My Australorpe is approximately 7+ months old now and is showing no signs of laying. She is much smaller than the Buff Orpington and her legs don't look like they are getting any wider. Is she a lost cause or is there still some hope?

 

[Free Feather]

My rescue Nankin did not lay until she was a year old. Some just take their time, especially if there is stress.

 

[thealpha]

These are pampered chickens so there's not a lot of stress but these 2 birds were added to my flock of 4 a few months ago so I guess there good be a little pecking order stress? Wow, a year is a long time to wait but I guess I will be patient. Thanks for your help!