I have some araucauna hens and so far, they all aren't laying...anyone know if this is normal? They are such sweeties, I don't want to eat them, so if anyone can help me get them laying, I would surely appreciate it!!! Thanks!

-- Cindy in Ok (cynthiacluck@yahoo.com), May 12, 2001

Answers

Hello Cindy, Your hens may be too young, too old, or maybe they are molting. But, all hens lay....eventually. Sincerely, Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), May 12, 2001.

Thanks, they are young, only 4 months old.

-- Cindy in Ok (cynthiacluck@yahoo.com), May 12, 2001.

Cindy, four months old is young. With patience, most should be laying soon.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), May 12, 2001.

They can start laying from about 20 weeks, but it could be anything up to half a year before they've all (or at least all that are going to) settled down to consistently laying good adult-sized eggs.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), May 12, 2001.

Hi Cindy in OK. This is Russell in OK. Yes, be patient for just a few more days and you will start finding some eggs. You may find only one or two and then not find any again for another 2 or 3 days, but they will start laying on a regular routine. At first they will be small and you may wonder if they even have anything in them. But they will get bigger and start laying more often.

-- Russell Hays (rhays@sstelco.com), May 12, 2001.

None of my Aracaunas laid until they were between 9 and 11 months old. Banties laid at 7 months. Give 'em time.

-- cindy (jandcpalmer@sierratel.com), May 13, 2001.

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGA/Arau/BRKAraucanas.html

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), May 16, 2001.

Hi Cindy, I too have araucaunas mixed in with other hens and they were later starting to lay but do a fine job now that they are nearing one year old. Did you know there is a difference in laying mash or pellets. 16% and 20% is what our feed store carries, so maybe a little boost in grub would hurry them along. Also, pick a bucket of greens for them if they are not free range. That could include grass and weeds and garden scraps. Good luck. Maureen at Ravens Roost Farm in Alaska

-- Maureen Stevenson (maureen@mtaonline.net), May 25, 2001.