wade Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 Hi, i am a new eglu owner and have had my 2 girls approximately 1 month. One of them started laying 2 weeks ago and i was pleased as punch to get an egg in such a short time. They were quite small, however ive read that it is fairly typical when they 1st start. Over the course of the next week, i got 2 more eggs and thought the production line was under way. However, more than a week later...now, and no more eggs. is it normal to be intermittant in production ? I understand the concept of broodiness and moulting etc, but this does not seem to fit in with this scenario. The hen laid 3 eggs over 6 days, and no more for the last week !!! The chickens themselves seem quite perky and in good spirts (as far as a novice like me can tell), but i have noticed that one of the girls droppings seem to be brown, not white tipped..well, you know what i mean. I will keep an eye over the next few days to see if the droppings stay this colour or not, however im interested to hear if anyone has experienced a simular situation or can advise me ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 It's winter so they may be laying less due to light. As hens are all different they can stop and start and you you just don't know. As I always say when they stop they rest so that's a good thing. We have fits and starts. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 I wouldn't worry Wade - you want to try swapping with my chooks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 My girls are also in "shall I shan't I" mode at the moment and the eggs are smaller than a couple of months ago - dont fit in my egg holder - I hope things will improve as we head towards the summer - it's taking me a week to save up for an omlette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 They are still very young. They'll settle into it as the days lengthen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matter Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 Mine have just started. One v small one on Saturday and another same size on Sunday. None today. Gloria's a big girl. Do the eggs gradually get bigger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 They certainly do! Mine started off laying little eggs and now they are all medium-large in size Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wade Posted February 20, 2007 Author Share Posted February 20, 2007 Thanks for the replies. Seems that im probably concerned about nothing. Im being impatient as I would like to actually eat an egg. The kids have scoffed all 3 to date due to being 'their' hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 I am sure they will even out Wade, but do make sure you are not feeding too many treats: That definately stops them laying eggs! They need their layers' pellets/mash once they start laying, so only feed treats in the late afternoon, when you know they have filled up on pellets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Nothing I can add to this (no change there then......) but dont worry, as they mature a bit and the weather gets better they will soon settle down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wade Posted February 20, 2007 Author Share Posted February 20, 2007 hi, thanks again. Has anyone noticed the brown droppings before ? This is continuing from one of the hens and im wondering it this is also normal ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 The white bit on the droppings is their urine, you will probably find that some of her poos have it on and some don't. So long as her droppings are firm and look fine, I wouldn't worry too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
