Where are the eggs?

[numptysmummy]

Got 10 p.o.l hens nearly 2mnths ago anad they still aren't laying. Anybody got any ideas why? A friend had some at th e same time from the same supplier and hers are laying. They are all healthy looking,eating well etc.

What sort did you get? Do you know how many weeks they are? What are you feeding them?

Do they crow in the morning? Sorry!

Is it possible that your friend had some that were slightly older? I've had lots of hens that have been 26 weeks before laying and when they do start it's irregular.

Do they ever sit in the nesting box? If the nestbox is filled with straw it should be squashed into a nest shape.

Do you have rats or snakes or anything else that might be stealing the eggs?

Are they freeranging? Could they be laying elsewhere?

If you're sure they're not laying, you could try just feeding them on layers mash, no treats, nothing else, and that often gets them going. Are their combs nice and red, wattles red and developed? Do they squat for you if you hold a hand over their backs? Those are good signs that they're about to come into lay.

Laying free-range is definitely a possibility. I used to find eggs all over the place - there was a favourite spot under a pine tree but also in wheelbarrows of grass cuttings and even on a garden chair once.

Have one of you sent a "message in a bottle" that I just got saying

Chickenkeepers:My chickens have started laying! Woohoo!

Combs reddening up and squatting nicely. Rats about but would find some evidence of eggs still wouldn't i? No crowing

Hi Milliways That was me!! And it's true!! Very exciting!!