4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[mychooks]

Hi,

 

I have some hens (sussex) that are about 22 weeks and a bantam that is a bit older. Do you think they will lay soon or will I have to wait a while now as it is winter ?

 

Thay are spoilt rotten and free range

 

Thank you

[Jools]

If they're from a utility strain, then yes, they are a breed that will probably come into lay this side of Christmas. However, it depends on what kind of spoiling you're doing! Cut out treats, make sure they have access to good quality layers pellets or mash and give them just a little bit of corn in the late afternoon. Then cross your fingers!

[Laura & CTB]

Are they "crouching" yet?

 

As you approach them, if they squat down with their wings out a bit and maybe doing a little shuffle it's a good sign they'll be laying soon

[Space Chick]

If they are pure breed sussex then it may be a while longer yet as generally pure breeds take longer to develop. My earliest laying pure breed was 28 weeks.

 

Have they started crouching yet, as eggs will come within a few weeks of crouching.

[mychooks]

Thank you for all your replies. They do crouch a bit but I think that is when they are about to go to the toilet.

 

I currently feed them growers pellets and corn and also things like rice and pasta. I still give them growers pellets as I have some other hens that are only about 12 weeks or so and thet all feed together.

 

thanks

[Jools]

Growers are absolutely fine for them, just switch to layers once they come into lay. I'd definitely cut out the treats though as you're just diluting the nutrition they should be getting from their pellets.

[coco]

Two of mine started to lay at about 28 weeks but Pipa the freeloader is showing no signs at all. Hopefully she will lay in the spring, if not she can just wander round looking pretty and winding the ex batts up [this seems to be what she does best]