Why don't they lay??

[Cjrolland]

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??

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
The days are the shortest they are going to be at this time of year and it can affect egg production. Production should increase in the spring.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. The day light period will be increasing from now on. Once we get to somewhere around 12 hours of light daily I predict that all of your hens will be laying.

 

[Cjrolland]

I just got a little concerned because I haven't gotten anything. With my last round I at least got something. Thank you for the response!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

What breeds did you get?

Some breeds are known to be poor layers.

 

[so lucky]

What kind of chickens are they? I would think they would have started laying by now, shorter days or not. I have been told that first year pullets may lay all winter. They would be 8 months old. Do they have bright red combs and wattles? Or are they pale? Are you providing oyster shell for the girls, for calcium so they can produce hard enough shells on the eggs? If you provide oyster shells free choice, only the girls who need them will eat them.
Do you ever hear them cackling loudly, as if they are alarmed? Some chickens will let you know when they laid an egg, or are thinking about laying an egg.

 

[Cjrolland]

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.

 

[Cjrolland]

Their overall heath seems good!!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Give them time, its possible they just aren't mature enough, this isn't the best time of year for laying. Make sure they aren't stressed about predators as they won't lay if they aren't comfortable. Make sure your nest boxes are clean and quiet so they will lay there instead of somewhere else and watch the aren't eating the eggs.

Good luck and welcome to our community!

 

[BullChick]

It’s nice to have you here!
As mentioned, shorter days can lead to a delay in eggs. They need calcium, but not too much protein. 16% is adequate for layers. Dig around in the bedding to look for hidden eggs, and be sure a rat snake isn’t eating the eggs.