When do Australorps start laying?

[Louisetho2]

Hi guys.
I’ve got one australorp hatched on August 8 last year, she’s been laying since late or early January. She’s doing really well and laying everyday.
I’ve got another one that hatched on 18 September and still didn’t lay an egg... is she too young or am I just unlucky? She’s much bigger than my older australorp and loves chasing my silkies so she’s a bit of a bully.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally Australorp start between 5-6 months. Time of year and feeding can affect the start date.

 

[Louisetho2]

Generally Australorp start between 5-6 months. Time of year and feeding can affect the start date.

I am in Australia, we just went into autumn but it’s still quite hot. They have scratch mix and treats everyday ...

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I am in Australia, we just went into autumn but it’s still quite hot. They have scratch mix and treats everyday ...

She would do best still fed a non medicated grower or an All Flock ration. Minimum daily requirements are 16-18% protein.

 

[aart]

I am in Australia, we just went into autumn but it’s still quite hot.

Temp is not the key trigger, it's length of day and your are decreasing. She may not lay until after the solstice when days begin to lengthen again.


Are you sure she's not laying?
Do you free range?
Here's some tips on how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[Louisetho2]

Temp is not the key trigger, it's length of day and your are decreasing. She may not lay until after the solstice when days begin to lengthen again.


Are you sure she's not laying?
Do you free range?
Here's some tips on how to tell....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Yep they free range all day. I’m 99% sure. I get 1 australorp egg a day (smaller than my isa’s eggs and bigger than my silkies so easy to tell) and I checked a few times which one of the australorps was in the nesting box and it was always my oldest (who’s much skinnier and smaller than the one not laying!)