22 weeks old and still no eggs? That may be completely normal

Twenty-two weeks can feel late when you have been waiting on that first egg, but age alone does not mean something is wrong.

Alabama Cooperative Extension says most pullets lay their first egg between 20 and 25 weeks. Commercial laying strains may mature sooner, while many heritage, dual-purpose and slower-growing breeds take longer. Birds in the same flock may also start weeks apart.

Before changing feeds or adding supplements, check the whole picture:

• Breed or strain. Compare each pullet with the normal maturity range for her breed. • Body development. A reddening, enlarging comb and wattles can indicate maturity, but comb size varies by breed. • Complete feed. Keep a balanced grower or developer ration as the foundation until the birds approach lay. Do not introduce layer feed too early just to force production. • Daylight. Shortening days can delay reproductive activity. • Stress and health. Extreme temperatures, crowding, predators, parasites, disease, inadequate water or poor nutrition can delay development. • Hidden eggs. Check quiet corners, bedding and shrubs before deciding nobody is laying.

Do not pile calcium, protein treats or supplements onto a complete ration hoping to force the first egg. If a pullet is active, eating, drinking and developing normally, more time may be the right answer.

Concern rises when delayed laying comes with weight loss, poor growth, abnormal droppings, breathing trouble, lethargy or other signs of illness.

What breeds are your pullets, and are their combs and wattles beginning to change?

Sources: Alabama Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Laying Hen: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/backyard-small-poultry-flock-management-series-feeding-the-laying-hen/

Alabama Cooperative Extension, Nutrition for Backyard Chicken Flocks: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/nutrition-for-backyard-chicken-flocks/