Why have my 7 month old hens not began to lay?

[I_AmPairPair]

I have three EE's. They are all 7 months old and share a coop. They are let out pretty often and eat on a regular schedule (pretty much every day, sometimes if we run out of feed they will miss a day). My friend who has hens the same age already has eggs being produced, but mine have not laid once and completely ignore the part of their coop for laying and sleeping. Help please!!!!

 

[Welshies]

They should begin laying in their first spring. The days are so short right now, that most hens aren't laying. Does your friend use lighting or heat lamps?

 

[sylviethecochin]

You'll need to clarify some information. Where are you and what are you feeding? Where did you get them? Do you (or your friend) provide any artificial light?

 

[I_AmPairPair]

Well I am located in California with them living outside, feed them lay food and sometimes dog food, and they were adopted from a pet shop. I do not know if my friend gives hers artificial light, but I am pretty sure her hens live outdoors. We are sure one is definitely a hen, but are iffy with the other two.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Sorry about all the questions, but can you post pictures of your chickens? EEs can be a little difficult to sex. Also, do you live in northern or southern California?

We have some white leghorn pullets that refuse to lay. They're seven months. Their "sibling" we got two weeks earlier lays every day. Sometimes, it depends on whether the hens begin to lay before or after the days shorten. If after, you may just have to wait until spring.

 

[I_AmPairPair]

We are in Southern California. I am not in the same location as my chickens right now, but I have pictures of them when they were 4 or 5 months.

 

[bluebird]

They should begin laying in their first spring. The days are so short right now, that most hens aren't laying. Does your friend use lighting or heat lamps?

x2. Chickens do not lat nearly as much in winter, especially young ones

 

[I_AmPairPair]

Yes, but they have never shown any interest in laying or nesting, the closest thing any have done is dig a hole in the dirt, but they did not even stay near it. They even avoid their nesting area completely.

 

[Welshies]

Yes, but they have never shown any interest in laying or nesting, the closest thing any have done is dig a hole in the dirt, but they did not even stay near it. They even avoid their nesting area completely.

You can increase their desire to lay by placing "dummy eggs" in the nest boxes. Golf balls or plastic eggs work well.

 

[bluebird]

Yes, but they have never shown any interest in laying or nesting, the closest thing any have done is dig a hole in the dirt, but they did not even stay near it. They even avoid their nesting area completely.

Give them time. They’ll lay when their ready