What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[Toots]

Hi I hope some one can help or put my mind to rest a little,

 

In october i bought a wellsummer chicken from a dealer that was recomended by my local bird food supplier.

 

when he dropped her off, he said she was about 15 weeks old and that the breed start laying at about 18- 20 weeks.

 

That was in october. i make her 24 - 25 weeks old now. Still no eggs!

 

her feathers filled out at the back weeks ago but she is not crouching when i come near (thinking i am a rooster)

 

apart from that she is eating well. quite happy to have her treats. she is very timid and doesnt like being handled but we are trying to change that by giving her as much attention as possible and backing it up with treats

 

Am i just worrying about nothing? is it just the cold weather?

[Daphne]

don't worry, pure breeds do come into lay later than hybrids but no bird is particularly keen on laying during these short/dark/cold/wet days. I have several 8 month old madams who haven't laid yet.....and one who has just started. Its all quite normal but I'm sure you won't have to wait that long. Keep the treats to a minimum, feed treats only in the late afternoon after she's had her fill of pellets, make sure she is worm-free, don't worry if she's shy - some girls just are (tho laying calms them down a lot) and have patience! I'm sure you will be rewarded in the Spring. I understand some Welsummers lay a particularly lovely rich coloured egg; so fingers X!

[Egluntyne]

Give it a little more time. The lengthening days will make a difference.

 

Also, it would be a good idea not to give her too amny treats. Just pellets till afternoon, and then only a tiny handful of corn or similar to lure her back into her Eglu at night.