Single hen

[mojojojo]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if you have any tips for me to look out for as to when my girls might start laying??

 

Thelma's coomb is bigger than Louises so does this mean she will lay first? They both look really healthy and are quite big so I think it is about the right time for them. The coombs are still pink not red.

 

Will they turn red before they lay their first or do they turn red after??

 

Also....I am feeding them layers mash (which the breeder said was fine as I would worried it should be growers mash) but are the pellets better? i.e will they get more food/nutriends from the pellets??

 

Thanks for your advice

Edited October 4, 2008 by Guest

[Mutrix Farmers]

Red combs are a good sign. Do they crouch when you approach them? Age is also a good indicator, mine laid at about 23 weeks.

 

I only use pellets, but I know it is a complete food. I would imagine layers mash is the same. Don't give too many treats as you want to ensure they are eating loads of mash to get the right nutrients to make eggs.

 

And once they start you will be awash with eggs!!

[mojojojo]

Unfortuenately, i forgot to ask the breeder how old there were but he did say it would be a couple of weeks. I have had them for a week and a half now so I am guessing it won't be much longer.

 

They don't crouch when I approach - just run off!!. They are still scared of me but I did manage to stroke them both a little last night and I think they didn't mind it. Hopefully they will realise that I am no threat to them soon!!

 

I don't give them any treats until the evening as I work f/t. I am going to let them out of the run soon but need to cut one of their wings a little first - not looking forward to that!!!

Will have to get some help from my OH I think!!

[RubyReckless]

Mash and pellets are just the same food in different forms. mash is messier in my experience but it dosn't matter which you use.

 

Don't worry that they don't crouch - The bit about crouching isn't whether they are afraid of you or not, it's about whether they are sexually mature. They crouch for you as if you are a rooster because you are the head of their little flock. Crouching is a sign they are ready to lay.

 

The breed depends on how red the combs and wattles get, but a red comb means they are sexually mature and ready to lay too.

 

Sounds you've a little wee way to go yet, perhaps. Some autumn POL girls don't lay until spring, others get going earlier. It isn't uncommon to wait 4 to 6 weeks for a POL to be laying, so don't worry if your chooks aren't ready yet.

[Steve.]

Crouching, red faces, and lots of 'curry poo' are signs my chooks gave!

 

They didn't care much Combs and Wattles.

[mojojojo]

Hello again!!

 

Well, my first egg has now arrived!!!!!!!! - and is looking just a bit smaller than the eggs you buy in the shops! The girls were making a bit of noise this morning around 9.30am which is very unlike them and then at about 11am I looked in the eglu and....there it was!! I am a proud chicken mum today.

 

I think it is Thelma as she has crouched twice now when I have been outside. I am going to try the egg tomorrow for breakfast - will have to share it with my OH unless maybe there is another one there tomorrow!!!!!

 

Will just have to wait and see...

 

 

Mojo

[Seagazer]

Congratulations on your first egg

[speckled hen]

Well done Thelma

 

Congratulations on your first egg. I can't wait for my girls to lay an egg for their mummy!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Congratulations . Nothing quite like the first egg .