[Catsmuvva]

I bought a couple of POL hens, Twinkle, an Amber Star and Bobby, a Copper Black Marans from Dobles at the Melplash show near the end of August, and to date neither have laid. I understand birds to be POL at 16-20 weeks but even given that they may have only been 16 weeks when I got them I would've expected them to have started laying by now, 7 weeks after purchase.
These are the first POL I've had, I've only had ex-bats and a couple of 11mth old Speckled Sussex until now, so can only go by what the books say or, hopefully, take advice from more experienced keepers. Any ideas, anyone?

[joyfull]

chickens usually start laying around the 24-30 weeks of age dependinding upon the breed. However laying also depends on the amount of daylight hours so yours may not lay until next spring. But look on the bright side all chickens are hatched with the amount of eggs already in their system and the earlier they start to lay the quicker they will use their reserves up.

[Catsmuvva]

Good point, well made...

[themagicaltoad1]

You'll just have to be patient
I've just noticed where you're from, it that real place? it's a great name.

[Catsmuvva]

Yes, it really is! The Piddle Valley relates to a series of Piddle/Puddle villages along, you've guessed it, the River Piddle, the most famous being Tolpuddle, of Martyrs fame... Check it out around the Dorchester area in Dorset.

[GrannieAnnie]

I know the Piddle Valley exists because I still have The Piddle Valley Cookbook that I bought in the early 80's!!!   

And though PURE BREEDS normally start to lay around 24-30 weeks, hybrids like your Amber Star SHOULD start to lay at 18 weeks which is when they go out to the commercial farms.

However saying that, we've had our new girls for what 4 weeks now I think and only one is laying intermittently.  I think its the weather!