Why aren’t they producing?

[Chriskits]

Quick info packet. I live in northern oregon, the hens in question are 25-26 weeks old. 3 rir’s and 2 black Australorp’s.

problem: they aren’t producing at all. Is it something I’m doing or is it because of sunlight? What could I do to fix it?

 

[nuthatched]

Are their comb and wattles red? Are they squatting? They could have a hidden nest if they free range. They are old enough but maybe they won't lay over winter, or have been moved or stressed recently

 

[CluckerFamily]

I am not an expert on rir or australorps but I thought they were early layers.
Any chance they are stressed right now?

 

[Tre3hugger]

It is most likely lack of sun light

 

[Offshoreorca]

Yes, likely the shorter days.

 

[Chriskits]

I am not an expert on rir or australorps but I thought they were early layers.
Any chance they are stressed right now?

I don’t know if there is anything that would be stressful. So I am going to say no but I’m not 100% sure

 

[Chriskits]

Are their comb and wattles red? Are they squatting? They could have a hidden nest if they free range. They are old enough but maybe they won't lay over winter, or have been moved or stressed recently

I don’t know of anything that would stress them. There combs and wattles have coloring, they don’t really free range, but they have a very large run to compensate for that.

 

[Chriskits]

It is most likely lack of sun light

Do you by anychance have a go to artificial light that you would use?

 

[Tre3hugger]

Do you by anychance have a go to artificial light that you would use?

I choose not to artificially light my coop so no, sorry. @aart and some others do though. They will likely chime in soon!

 

[CluckerFamily]

I also don't do artificial lighting, I let them have the season off. My pullets usually lay throughout their first winter but I haven't been in the situation where I have pullets about to lay close to the winter months.