Hen wont lay...

[alb23m]

I have had my white homers for 3-4 months now and they still have not layed eggs. They keep building their nest, he drives her to the nest but no eggs. Why do you think she does not lay? I recently got another pair of whites 2 months ago, and since then she has layed 4 eggs in total. Any ideas why?

[Keith C.]

There is a multitude of reasons why a hen might not lay, including age (to young or to old), hormonal problems, physical condition (health, under or over weight and injuries) , compatilbility with the cock and diet.
I do not know what you are feeding her, but I would try giving her an increase in protein and calcium in her diet.
Try giving her a 24% to 28% protein game bird pellet, turkey starter or hog pellet. You can purchase them at most feed mills and stores like Tractor Supply.
I would also giver her a little bit of green matter like plantain, lambs quarter, dandelion or any other greens that are edible for humans.
Keith

[RodSD]

If they are 3-4 months old, then you have to wait. If they are passed 5 months old then they can lay eggs. I have one right now with a baby and she mated early around 4 months. This bird haven't even ranged yet, just routed and discovered mating. So yours could either be too young or shockingly they might be both males. I have that one too-- my gay breeders.

[alb23m]

No the birds are are a couple of years old. im 100% sure one is a hen. I have been feeding feed that the guy told me is good for when the birds are breeding.

[Crazy Pete]

Well some thing is a bit fishy, pigeons only lay 2 eggs at a time.
Dave

[alb23m]

Originally Posted by Crazy Pete

Well some thing is a bit fishy, pigeons only lay 2 eggs at a time.
Dave

Well i never said they layed more then 2 at a time.???

[ggoss1]

I tell every one that they need to have grit that contains seaweed. Seaweed helps facilitate egg production.

[RodSD]

I am confused now. How can you 100% sure it is a hen when she haven't layed an egg? Have you tried other sexing methods?

There are obviously hens that are sterile because of some genetic disease. There also hens that are too old which obviously can't have eggs anymore. If she lacks calcium, then maybe she can't form proper eggs.

We need more info. If not just switch partners and see if she lays eggs.

[alb23m]

Originally Posted by RodSD

I am confused now. How can you 100% sure it is a hen when she haven't layed an egg? Have you tried other sexing methods?

There are obviously hens that are sterile because of some genetic disease. There also hens that are too old which obviously can't have eggs anymore. If she lacks calcium, then maybe she can't form proper eggs.

We need more info. If not just switch partners and see if she lays eggs.

Because i have never seen her do the "dance".
She has all the grit she needs.

[ggoss1]

Well...speaking from personal experience...

I built my loft and bought 5 white homer pairs....I was excited...

1 month..no eggss...2 months...no eggs...3 months...no eggs...less excited

FINALLY the 4th month I had eggs and it isn't until now the 6th month that I have had successful hatches from eggs that weren't accidentally crushed or the one baby that did hatch got accidentally flipped out of the nest becuase I was using clay saucers. Mostly my eggs got crushed or laid on a flat surface and fell down.

The only thing I can say was that for the first three months they were fighting alot over nesting spots and and who gets to perch where and whom is with whom.

Hope this helps...

[alb23m]

ye, it doesw thanks. i will wait a little bit lonmger before i seperate the 2

[ggoss1]

Also I heard it helps to play Barry Manilow in your loft....

[spirit wings]

Originally Posted by alb23m

I have had my white homers for 3-4 months now and they still have not layed eggs. They keep building their nest, he drives her to the nest but no eggs. Why do you think she does not lay? I recently got another pair of whites 2 months ago, and since then she has layed 4 eggs in total. Any ideas why?

are they banded with the year they were hatched? if not perhaps she is an old hen and slowing down or does not lay anymore. or you have two cock birds. you may try to up the protein in the diet and add vit E, if nothing in 6 months, then I would guess it is either one of the things above.

[alb23m]

she has one of those clip on bands. but the guy i got them from said they are a couple of years old.

[spirit wings]

Originally Posted by alb23m

she has one of those clip on bands. but the guy i got them from said they are a couple of years old.

well, that could be true,.... or it could NOT be. that is why it is best to get birds that have a seemless band on them, the band can't lie. and it is really hard to tell the age of a bird just by looking at it after they are adults.