Chickens not laying yet 23 weeks

[kcasey444]

New chicken owner here! I have four 23 week old hens (white leghorn, barred rock, 2 production reds). The white Leghorn and barres rock both have decent combs and waddles size and are pretty red. The leghorn has been making the “egg song” a few times in the morning but no eggs yet. They have been testing out nesting boxes and are more vocal. When should they start laying?!?!? I’m checking several times a day since they were 16 weeks old because I’m so excited! But still nothing! I’m wondering if it’s because we are now in winter?!?!? I live in the Phoenix Arizona area.

 

[sourland]

They look close to onset of laying. Very likely the shortened daylight period has slowed down their maturation.

 

[Kentucky Fan]

Days are shorter they won’t lay as quickly don’t worry once they do you will have eggs galore production reds are machines in my experience

 

[fluffycrow]

I agree, they are close. Hopefully they turn at least 5 months before their first egg, laying is not good on an underdeveloped body

 

[kcasey444]

They look close to onset of laying. Very likely the shortened daylight period has slowed down their maturation.

Thank you! I just want to make sure they aren’t lacking a thing on my end!

 

[kcasey444]

I agree, they are close. Hopefully they turn at least 5 months before their first egg, laying is not good on an underdeveloped body

They are 23 weeks so they made it past five months already

 

[fluffycrow]

They are 23 weeks so they made it past five months already

Missed that one. My brain retained the 16 for some reason. But this is even better!

 

[kcasey444]

Days are shorter they won’t lay as quickly don’t worry once they do you will have eggs galore production reds are machines in my experience

Is it common for them to not lay at all till the spring since it’s winter now?

 

[Kentucky Fan]

Is it common for them to not lay at all till the spring since it’s winter now?

I have never seen that personally I’m sure they’ll lay soon a couple of my current bunch were late bloomers as well.

 

[fluffycrow]

Is it common for them to not lay at all till the spring since it’s winter now?

It can happen, but pullets usually lay through the cold months and the low light days as well, maybe just on a more irregular basis