Why won't my RIR's lay eggs?

[RIRLOVER123]

My two Rhode Island Red hens are 8 1/2 months old, why haven't they started laying eggs yet?

 

[boskelli1571]

Any day now I'm sure!! Although the 'standard' time is 24 weeks, it varies from bird to bird. I assume they have the correct feed ration? access to dark, quiet boxes? Is there anywhere they could be laying without your knowledge? Patience ........

 

[krista74]

If it's any consolation at all, I feel your pain! I have 4 RIR's and 2 BO's. Both the BO's have started laying (one two weeks ago, one two days ago) but so far only 1 RIR has started laying (about a week ago.) The other three RIR's are just moochers who scoff grain and corn like they're entitled to it! I am the MOST impatient person at the best of times, but like my hubby says "They'll do it when they're ready." In the mean time, all we can do is give them the healthiest, balanced diet we can provide, make sure they are comfortable, let them roam when we are able to, and give them our love - when the pesky little blighters let us pat them! Good luck, it will happen....one day!

 

[RIRLOVER123]

Thanks Hopefully they'll lay soon because my it's my father, who is very impatient, says if they don't lay eggs soon they will be dinner. :/

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

To ask the obvious question, are you 100% certain that you have pullets? I only ask as I have personally known folks who were impatiently waiting for eggs - and when I saw their birds it became painfully clear that they were waiting in vain. A lot of folks are unfamiliar with the visual cues of a rooster and/or are not aware of the 5-10% mistaken ID rate for sexed chicks - and don't realize those "hens" that won't lay are roosters.

 

[RIRLOVER123]

The man I bought them from owns a RIR chicken farm and told me that they were both females when I bought them @ 4 weeks old but I will attach a photo that looks exactly like them. (I don't have time to take a pic). Both my sweet chickens look like this one just a bit fatter.

 

[RIRLOVER123]

The man I bought them from identified them as hens at 4 weeks old. I don't have time to take a pic of them but I'll attach a photo that looks exactly like them but any advice will be appreciated.