Wheaten Marans and Egg Laying

[pfmoore17]

Hi, I am new to the forum.
I have 8 Wheaten Marans Hens, born last July 17. They have not laid any eggs yet and I don't expect them to at this point since it is so cold here in Connecticut. Based on others experience, when can I expect to see some egg action? What can I do to "entice" them. They have "heated water" and a well enclosed house, but no heat. Thanks.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Does the house get light? Light is necessary for egg production. I know it's hard to wait (especially when you are coming up on 6 months), but they will lay when they are ready. You can try to give them some higher protein, maybe that will help.

ETA: And

 

[pfmoore17]

Cleaned their cage today, first warm day in weeks and there was a nice chocolate brown egg. The hens were checking it out and seem were as surprised as me!

 

[ISSOLA]

Quote:
Hehe...just when you were asking..... it always happens when your patience is at its brink....

 

[Happy Chooks]

Congrats!

 

[pfmoore17]

Found a second one this afternoon!
Now I got to teach them to lay in the nest!

 

[danielle82]

and congrats on your first eggs!

When mine first started laying I didn't have a nest box yet. I found two on the ground and got the nest boxes the next day and stuck a golf ball in it, and now they lay in the nest. It was like magic hahahaha