Why don't they lay??

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Everyone have given excellent advise. I just wanted to add that some of my pullets approximately the age of yours has just started laying as well, but not constantly due to shorter daylight hours. Winter solstice was on 12/21so the daylight hours will start to increase and egg laying should start to increase as well, when we have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Best wishes with your flock
 
I agree with everyone above just waiting for more daylight. Also thanks for joining! :yesss:
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Cjrolland said:
I have had chickens for a few years but really don't know much about them. Most of my first round have passed and I got some more, 4 in April I beleive. The problem is only one of my new birds have layed any eggs. I increased the amount of protein I give them. I changed to a higher protein food and supplement with a mealworm mix. What's happening??
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I know your frustration. Your flock is in a good position . It is winter and shorter day light will trigger a rest period. By waiting to spring your hens will be more mature when they do go into lay and lay a bigger egg. They will lay bigger eggs all their lives compared to other. I do not recommend putting lights on them now. You will get eggs but you are forcing them them and missing out on bigger eggs for a long time in the future. As spring comes they will start laying . I have 10 month old hens that stopped laying and went into moult in the middle of December! I was counting on them to lay throughout winter. I expect them to go back into laying some time in January. If they look healthy and act healthy probably it is the light .
 
Yes, like everyone said, welcome to BYC! You’ll meet great people on here and make great friends! They are always willing to help! We love seeing pictures so feel free to post some! As for your hens, I have some ducks who don’t produce and so I understand. Are they possibly laying in the run? I have one chicken that lays in weird places sometimes. Perhaps some oyster shells would help? That was suggested to me with my ducks. Perhaps giving them a light source during these shorter days could boost their hormone levels and trick their bodies. I’m hoping someone will come along with better advice since my chickens do well, but my ducks still do not. Regardless, welcome from all of us and I’m sure you will enjoy getting to know us and we look forward to learning more about your flock!
 
Cjrolland said:
I have one Leghorn, an Americana, a Wyendotte, a Rhode Island Red (the oldest) and one that I can't remember the breed. The leghorn is the only one that's layed. Some have told me that the first year can be a dud but to expect more in the spring.
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I never found Wyandotte or Americans to be good layers. Your unknown might fall into that category too.

Patience, as the days get longer things are likely to improve.
 

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