Why won't my new pullets lay any eggs??

[paxicotrader]

Does anyone know why our Delaware hens aren't laying any eggs, even though they are well fed and watered and free ranged? In many sources we've read that they grow and mature quickly, but that doesn't seem to be the case with ours at all. We've kept a wide variety of breeds from the beginning and always see that first egg around 5 to 7 months. But our Delawares are going on 8 months now and have produced nothing.

In all respects they are vigorous and healthy, are excellent foragers and look to be full grown (they are already bigger than our 2 year old Orpingtons and Australorps).

 

[Ariel301]

If they are free-ranging, is there a possibility that they are hiding eggs somewhere?

If not, I'm as stumped as you, I have a whole group of 7-8 month old pullets that have not laid yet. I keep telling them they better start before rooster-butchering day gets here, or they may end up fried!

 

[geebs]

they are all roosters!!!

(just kidding

)