Greetings! I am new to this website today and new to chickens since June! I have 8 Black Australorps and I was told they would start laying eggs at 19-20 weeks. They are now 22 1/2 weeks and not an egg yet. They were free range but coyotes got two so mostly stay in, except for when I am outside and supervise them every few days for several hours. They are eating a layer feed, have fresh water, and a light in the coop from 5am-5pm. Am I missing anything?
19-20 weeks is the earliest for most breeds of chickens. It's not uncommon to wait till 24 or so weeks (6 months). It's also going into winter, so despite extra lighting, your girls may not be gearing up yet. Nothing's wrong with them, so don't panic I think Rule #1 of Chicken Keeping is Don't Panic. Rule #2 is Chickens do what they want to do on their on dang time. They are neither late nor early, but do it exactly when they intend to do so. Sort of like wizards. Rule #3 The first rule of chicken logic is there is no chicken logic
