Oldessexbird Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Sorry peeps, but I have to share this with someone. We got 3 chooks in September and have had a number of ups and downs, but no eggs. This week I noticed my Aracuna - Daisy - keep squatting/crouching down every so often, so I think shes about to lay.....I simply can't wait. How long from crouching to laying? Do they only lay in the night? Do I need to do anything special for her? How can I encourage her? The 3 girls are in a with and extension they free range for 3-4 hours a aday. I do put straw in the next box....have never been sure how much straw to use - generally a couple of handfuls - what do others do. Cant wait for my first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 We feel your excitement It could be a few days or a bit more - up to 10ish. Hopefully for you sooner rather than later or I have the feeling you might explode! She can lay at any time, a couple of handfuls of straw is just right tho you might want to try aubiose or another sort of dust-extracted horse bedding. Straw can get tangled around legs and/or eaten (not likely but it does happen) leading to crop problems. As far as encouraging her .... I put on my special coaxing voice designed to persuade small animals (and occasionally children) to do what I want by telling them how marvellous they are ..... Just make sure she has plenty of good quality layers pellets/mash, access to fresh water, and can get clean and dry. Don't overdo treats - they won't help laying, tho I'm sure you'll want to spoil her a bit for her first egg! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 I've had one crouching like a good un' since new years day still no eggs (starfish) I've got one that hasn't crouched yet but see this post viewtopic.php?f=37&t=57525 laying time vary ever day from early morning to tea time.with the odd one over night some one will come on and say that chickens don't lay after about 2:30pm my lot haven't read that part of the book I've had them lay as late as 4:45pm in the summer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suebee Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 Hi Oldessexbird. One of my hens is about a month younger than the others. I had waited patiently for ages for her to crouch for me. It was so touching when she finally did, like mummy's baby all grown up! Unbelievably, she laid the next day! I think I was more excited by her first egg, than my other hens' firsts, probably cos she's the baby of the family. Tis such a special moment though. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldessexbird Posted January 19, 2010 Author Share Posted January 19, 2010 oh my, oh my, oh my......i've had my first egg ....and what an egg it is. The most perfect, beautiful, cute pale you have ever seen!!!!! Daisy is doing well, very proud of herself, not showy - just confident now she nows she can do it. Puts a bit of pressure on the other two to get crouching Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 Well done Daisy It sounds like Mum and egg are doing well Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suebee Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 Congratulations! Wonderful isn't it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Hurray for Daisy! Saronne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
