Are my chickens broken?

[WingItRanch]

I ask myself this every day!!! I have 11 pullets (6 different breeds) that are 23 weeks old and not a single egg. I also have a cockerel that doesn't crow!

Everything I researched also led me to believe that I would get eggs between 18-22 weeks but after talking to the BYC community, I learned... just like humans, chickens will mature at different rates. It's actually better for them when they don't lay too young. Hang in there! You're definitely not alone.

As for starting and then stopping... that also seems to happen frequently as the chickens body adjusts to the egg laying process. Others may have advice on that.

Update on my "broken" chickens...

 

[The Good Grumble]

This is not accurate in this case. First year layers, that have started laying, will lay their first winter. And they will not molt until next year. OP, they are new layers. Give them time to work out the kinks

Must be something in the air, I added to my flock and I’ve had two sapphire gems laying since 18-19 weeks, and EE, orps and Sussex between 25 and and 27 weeks and nary an egg. I’ve never waited this long, except for orps. They kick in around 28 tops. So we will see.

 

[tripletfeb]

Must be something in the air, I added to my flock and I’ve had two sapphire gems laying since 18-19 weeks, and EE, orps and Sussex between 25 and and 27 weeks and nary an egg. I’ve never waited this long, except for orps. They kick in around 28 tops. So we will see.

Some first year layers will wait until the days get longer before they lay. It's always a gamble with newbies

 

[thistlewick]

I've got a 29 week old Jersey Giant who has no interest in maturing at any rate but what she wants. Her comb *JUST* started growing and turning red. But it's not big enough yet. I don't think she will be laying by next week at all. So post 30+ week here for her and that's alright. All her sisters are laying.

I've got five 22 week old younger batch of girls, Wyandottes, Orpington and Copper Marans. Out of those 5, only 1 copper maran is laying. The other 4, despite being huge, look like young'uns still. Not even remotely ready.

I'm in NC, will be interesting to see what our mild winters do for first year layers -- if they slow down?? if they stop?? or if they just lay all the way.

Glad you're seeing some eggs from your girls!!