. Why is only one of my hens laying?

[MsDrake]

So I bought 3 hens and a rooster a month ago. Was told my rooster and 2 hens were 6mo old, and other hen was 4mo. old. Don't know breed, 2 are red, 1 solid white, and rooster black and white....
On thanksgiving I got my first egg, every say since as well. I have 3 hens...Why is only one laying?

 

[chad-o]

Probably just not time. Patience is a virtue!

 

[MsDrake]

Even is they are the same age? Also why wont the hen sit on it? I want to hatch a few

 

[azygous]

Your hens are barely at point of lay. The short days aren't helping matters. But give it another few weeks, and you'll start seeing some action.

As for hatching eggs, you need two things for that. A broody hen and a fertile rooster. Most roosters aren't dependably fertile until they're about a year old, and large breeds like Cochins and Brahmas aren't mature until two years or more.

Come spring, hormones surge and you may see one of your new layers go broody. And that's a whole 'nother ball game!

 

[donrae]

Not all humans reach sexual maturity at the same time, same goes for birds. Especially to the day is asking a little much!

Your hen has to go broody before she'll hatch eggs. I suggest looking around on the "incubating & hatching eggs" section, there are threads on broody hens there. Some hens never go broody, some are persistent about it.

If you plan to have chicks you need to have a plan for the 50% roosters you'll hatch out. They won't necessarily just live happily ever after with the birds you already have.

 

[MsDrake]

Sorry guys, more questions. I built an incubator today...Just a 20gallon tank, with a lid, with wire and a 250watt red heat lamp.
I only have one egg in there now, and hoping it hatch's, BUT I want tp make sure the chances are great. I know I have to turn it daily, what things should I do to ensure the best of luck to hatch?
I saw some check temp hourly, daily, etc....It has a temp gage, but Its not 100% accurate, it was from a fish tank...
So once it hatch's, I can add water and feed, and keep it in there for how long? its winter here in Colorado, very cold! How long do I need to keep in indoors? or will one of the hens take on her duties as mama?

Thanks all!

 

[Cindy in PA]

You may have more than one hen laying, they may each be laying on a different day. 1 egg form 2 chickens at this time of year would be normal even if they are both laying.