When will chicken start laying?

[flowera]

We bought a full grown Rhode Island Red 4 months ago and she hasn't laid yet. They said she was about 6 months old when I got her making her about 10 months now.

From time to time I've seen poorly formed eggs (small, brittle) in the box but I can't be sure who left them there. As there have been two other eggs layers in and out.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

 

[crested1990]

Most Chickens typically start to lay in about 5-6 months of age. If you purchase a hybrid layer some varieties start at 4 to 4-1/2 months. If she has attempted to lay but the eggs have been brittle or soft-shelled, she most likely is lacking key vitamins and nutrients in her diet, Vitamin K is essential for healthy egg shells and Protein is key for consistent egg laying. There are also other vitamins that are helpful. Try to put vitamin and electrolytes in her water, I use The High performance Poultry Pak from Cackle Hatchery and It works Great.

 

[flowera]

Most Chickens typically start to lay in about 5-6 months of age. If you purchase a hybrid layer some varieties start at 4 to 4-1/2 months. If she has attempted to lay but the eggs have been brittle or soft-shelled, she most likely is lacking key vitamins and nutrients in her diet, Vitamin K is essential for healthy egg shells and Protein is key for consistent egg laying. There are also other vitamins that are helpful. Try to put vitamin and electrolytes in her water, I use The High performance Poultry Pak from Cackle Hatchery and It works Great.

Thanks but I can't even be sure that's her doing it. And it really only happens every 6 weeks or so. Wouldn't she be laying brittle eggs more often if she was really able?

 

[crested1990]

well the vitamins are a great thing for all your birds and its a good back up measure for what may be lacking in the feed. and its simple to use, just add to water

 

[flowera]

Thank you, I will look into it.

Can anyone else offer advice to why a seemingly healthy and fit hen would not be laying at 10 months?