Would This Influence Not Laying?

[Chickenhappy8708]

I have a blind amberlink pullet, and she is about 20 weeks old. Both of the other chickens raised with her have started laying. When we adopted her, she was lonely, so we got her 2 day-old chicks, and she was never mothering, but they got along great. The last two nights, they have slept with her, and she tucks them under her wings. Super cute, but she still isn't laying! I think it has something to do with the chicks being there, any input would be great, thanks again!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I have a blind amberlink pullet, and she is about 20 weeks old. Both of the other chickens raised with her have started laying. When we adopted her, she was lonely, so we got her 2 day-old chicks, and she was never mothering, but they got along great. The last two nights, they have slept with her, and she tucks them under her wings. Super cute, but she still isn't laying! I think it has something to do with the chicks being there, any input would be great, thanks again!

Chickens can go much longer than 20 weeks before they lay. All have mine have started around week 24-26. The chicks shouldn't affect anything. It's a challenge waiting for the much anticipated first egg

 

[Sonya9]

The chicks shouldn't affect her egg laying but her blindness possibly could. Just guessing here but daylight hours affect their pituitary (?) which causes most hens to stop laying in winter when the daylight hours are shortened. I have to wonder if blindness might have an effect too, or possibly she has other genetic quirks besides being blind.

Watch her comb, when it turns bright red she should be laying. If her comb is bright red and you don't find any eggs then maybe look around.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Ok, the blindness could have a part to play, but don't mother hens stop laying for some time? Could both be an influence on her laying?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Ok, the blindness could have a part to play, but don't mother hens stop laying for some time? Could both be an influence on her laying?

They stop laying while sitting on eggs and usually start laying 2-3 weeks after they hatched. At 20 weeks she just isn't ready to lay. And in theory, yes her blindness could prolong things too.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Great, I'm looking forward to her brown eggs someday

 

[aart]

The chicks shouldn't affect her egg laying but her blindness possibly could. Just guessing here but daylight hours affect their pituitary (?) which causes most hens to stop laying in winter when the daylight hours are shortened. I have to wonder if blindness might have an effect too, or possibly she has other genetic quirks besides being blind.

It's the pineal gland that senses and collect daylight.
That gland is behind the skull between the eyes.
Not sure how much the eye takes part in light absorption, and if a blind bird would be affected.

usually start laying 2-3 weeks after they hatched.

Usually not until a week or three after they wean the chicks.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Usually not until a week or three after they wean the chicks.

I've only let one broody hatch eggs but around week three she started leaving the chicks to lay an egg. I only have three blue layers and she's one of them, and I was regularly getting three blue eggs in the nesting box. Maybe she is an odd ball?

 

[Chickassan]

Unless she's cooped inside a fairly dark place blindness wouldn't shift her cycle.
Their skulls are thin enough to let light pass.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

I'm pretty sure she can see lighting, she is outside in the shade all day, and in my garage at night, until we pretadore proof the run.