When will my EEs lay eggs?

[mainelychic]

I have 8 chickens total. 2 of them are EEs which are 30 weeks old. They have yet to lay eggs. I was under the assumption that they'd start laying the end of August. Obviously, that's not the case. They are free range, as well as, penned up if I'm not home. My other chickens are laying just fine. What can the problem be?

 

[sourland]

Easter Eggers are bred for egg color not maximum production. They generally start laying later than the production birds, but continue laying for more years than the high production birds. They will lay when they mature.

 

[Maeschak]

I have 8 chickens total. 2 of them are EEs which are 30 weeks old. They have yet to lay eggs. I was under the assumption that they'd start laying the end of August. Obviously, that's not the case. They are free range, as well as, penned up if I'm not home. My other chickens are laying just fine. What can the problem be?

My EE didn't lay until about 8-9 months. It was torture waiting. And in 2-3 years she has probably only given me 40 eggs. Buuuut I keep her bc she is sweet, beautiful, and my only broody hen! She went broody 4 times last year.

 

[azygous]

How far north are you? The days begin getting shorter earlier the farther north you are. Location plays a role in just about every concern folks post about here, but many don't fill in their profile so we can factor location into our responses.

Chances are that your EEs were coming mature just as their bodies sensed the shortening days. This can postpone point of lay until the days begin to lengthen again after the winter solstice.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I have had EEs 5 times over the years from 3 different places & they have always started laying between 18 & 22 weeks. They have also been among my best layers including the 4 I have now. How do you know they are not laying, because if you are looking for a blue or green egg, they may just be laying brown eggs. Just a thought.

 

[aart]

How do you know they are not laying, because if you are looking for a blue or green egg, they may just be laying brown eggs. Just a thought.

Had same thought.
Here's way to tell if they are laying or not:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

The free ranging is another possibility, depending on how much time they spend ranging.
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.

 

[chickens really]

Also the older Hens might no allow them to use the nest boxes?....