[jane46]

Hi all, wondered if you can help. we have 3 chickens, all different breeds and they all get on  great, however, whilst 2 are laying nearly every dayand have done so for several weeks now, the 3rd is not having any of it! she lays on the eggs laid by the other 2 for ages so its like she is broody but we got her at about 18 weeks, which is the same as the others. any ideas what we can do to get her laying her own?

[Kathie]

Hi and welcome to the forum.  I'm not an expert but do know that some hens don't start to lay until they are older, as you say they are different breeds so this may be the reason. However you may be right and she could be broody but I think she should start laying before doing so.  Hope a more experienced member can pop along soon with more info.

[Lewjam]

Yea depeneds on age,

you got them at 18, how old are they now?

I have some light suessex on Rhoad islan red, the reds will be laying shortly but im not expecting the sussex to start un till at least WK 23 but it could be even later.

Do you know the breed of the one thats not laying?

[Lindeggs]

My six pullets range in age from 24 to 29 weeks old and none of them are laying yet.  They are three different breeds:  Light Sussex, Barnevelder and Barred Plymouth Rock.

It really sounds like you will just need to wait and see.  She will lay when she is ready. 

[Sassy]

I had a Light Sussex that didn't start to lay to into the 30 weeks. Her sisters from the same hatch were laying well. It isn't a problem for her and may mean that she lays longer than the others as they are all born with only so many eggs to lay.