Should i be worried about not laying at 20 weeks?

[FrostRanger]

I have easter eggers (including lakeside eggers which are basically easter eggers) and a buff orpington. They are about 22 weeks old now. 2 started at 19 weeks, 2 started earlier this week at about 21 weeks and the other 3 aren't laying yet, one of which probably won't for a bit. You're doing absolutely nothing wrong, neither easter eggers nor orpingtons tend to be early to start. I would personally keep everyone either on starter or all flock with oyster shell on the side as there's no telling when they'll start laying

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Should I add oyster shell to the food as well or just on the side??

Never mix oyster shell nor mineral calcium with feed. You don't know what the ending % of calcium in the feed will be. It would force the birds to consume more than necessary or healthy if they want to eat.
It would also alter the purpose of providing it, since you don't currently have layers. Always provide any mineral supplement in a separate container.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Mine started at 22 weeks I think. The others by 24 and 26 weeks. But I’ve had some start at 16 weeks and one start at 9 months lol so it all just depends. You’re not doing anything wrong.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I've never had a pullet lay by 20 weeks. I think around 21 was the earliest I've had (and I was surprised by it), and the next closest was like 24 weeks. 27, 30 weeks is more normal for me.

Neither EEs nor Orps are volume layers or fast maturing, so I'd say yours not laying is completely normal.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think it is important to evaluate if it is in one's best interest for their birds to begin laying eggs at an early stage. I think the benefits of that schedule don't outweigh the risks.
IMHO, the earlier a pullet begins to lay, the better chance there is of becoming egg bound. A 16 week old pullet's body just really isn't ready for the challenge.
The later onset of lay, the larger the first eggs will be.
I've always been content to let eggs come when they do without any effort at speeding the process.

 

[TooCheep]

I think it is important to evaluate if it is in one's best interest for their birds to begin laying eggs at an early stage. I think the benefits of that schedule don't outweigh the risks.

Don't worry. It is just forum thread fodder. The chickens will lay when they are ready no matter how impatient the owner.

 

[Mrs. K]

One can neither speed up laying or delay laying. Well maybe by picking breeds that lay late or hatching late in August. Some of those will lay in December.

But no need to worry, chickens lay when theylay.

 

[Love Donkeys]

Mother Nature has given your chickens their own internal alarm clock. Your pullets will decide to lay on their terms, you just have to wait.