When will my birds lay eggs?!

[seth22]

Anyone roosting outside will turn into dinner one night, and not for you. I would think that thirteen birds in that coop is way crowded, and that some birds just can't get inside at night.
Mary

I was hoping they'd realize there were two houses to sleep in, doesnt look that way.

 

[seth22]

My first flock last year got into the habit of going onto the top of the coop or trees above it instead of inside. They had plenty of room so it wasn’t a crowding issue, but it only took 1 who wanted to try it to convince several of them to do it. And once they get into a habit it is harder to break.

I would go out just before dusk and skoot them in before they have a chance to think about going higher...or trim the branches if there’s trees around to limit their access to higher ground...

Kinda hard to trim the roof.

 

[aart]

Thanks for the pic.
End to end with coops joined or runs joined?
Are there nests inside...or hanging off the end??
Even if nests aren't inside, that's not enough space for full grown 13 birds, especially during winter. Lack of ventilation is another issue with those tiny coops.
I can't blame them for roosting on top.

 

[seth22]

Thanks for the pic.
End to end with coops joined or runs joined?
Are there nests inside...or hanging off the end??
Even if nests aren't inside, that's not enough space for full grown 13 birds, especially during winter. Lack of ventilation is another issue with those tiny coops.
I can't blame them for roosting on top.

They're designed to hold 8 birds, so there's enough room for all.

 

[aart]

They're designed to hold 8 birds

The manufacturer says that, but it isn't true...unless you want factory farm spacing
Common newbie mistake.
Read thru some of these threads for examples:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/75230747/?q=prefab+coops&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

[Cindy in PA]

I have 10 Blue Wyandottes hatched around April 17th & some started to lay 2 1/2 weeks ago. They are 23 weeks now.

 

[Futuregreenefarm]

I have this same prefab coop myself. And I am having similar problems that you are @seth22 . I only have 3 pullets, just backyard mixes. They are 22 weeks old and still not laying. I also have a hen that I am trying to adopt that has 5 chicks 3 weeks old. The hen was sleeping in this coop with my 3 pullets but it was tense at times. She has been training them to get in a tree. No big deal at first it seemed like but now they have slept in the tree the last 2 nights! Her and 5 chicks. I am discouraged. But we are going to make some adjustments to an A-frame we made from scrap materials and lock the hen and chicks in it now. I don't want mine in trees at night either. And I felt my pullets were stressed somewhat so I have removed some stressors and I am hoping the hen/chicks in a new location will help reduce their stress even more. But I am worried they won't lay until spring now as it is turning fall here in North GA. Good luck with yours!