When will my pure bred RIR and Ameraucana start laying eggs?

[usmcpilot06]

My RIR's didn't start till they were about 6 months old...and I only hsve about three of the 20 that are laying in the nest boxes. The others could be laying outside but I have not found any. I look all the time just to be sure.

 

[aart]

My RIR's didn't start till they were about 6 months old...and I only hsve about three of the 20 that are laying in the nest boxes. The others could be laying outside but I have not found any. I look all the time just to be sure.

Do a butt check off the roost at night, if they show to be laying, lock em up.
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.

 

[gator75]

11 days for the RIR, 18 for the Ameraucana