2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Clairey_Fairy]

Hi,

I am sure there are some egg-sperts out there who can help me with my queries.

I am a new chicken owner and had my girls 5 weeks now (and love them!). They are about 27-30 weeks old now.

 

With regards to laying:

Ruby ( Columbian Black Tail) has been laying consistantly since we've had her, nearly every day. She always used to come out for breakfast, then go back in around 8-8.30am to lay. For the last week or so, since it's been darker and colder, there has already been an egg in the nest box when I let them out, as soon as it gets light (just after 7am). So she seems to be laying while it's still dark. Is this normal?

Stella ( Boven's Nera) meanwhile has become less consistant, from laying every day to only laying every few days, and sometimes quite late in the afternoon?

They are confusing me. Perhaps I should just let them get on with it and stop analysing their every move!

 

Also, the eggs are lovely, but the yolks are quite pale. They are eating lots of greens, especially the kale from my veggie patch, and some corn in the evening, but I don't give them too much. Is there anything else I shoul be feeding them for yellower yolks?

 

Lastly, grit. The layers pellets I have say no need for supplements of grit, as it's all in the pellet. And I do mix crushed baked egg shell into their layers pellet porridge when they have it (which is not every day), and they frequently free range the garden. So at the moment I don't have any extra grit for them. Should I? (No softies yet - touch wood)

 

Thanks x

[Steve the Gas]

Eggs take about 25 hours to make - so logically it should vary.........

If they are otherwise acting normally and are fit and healthy - let them get on with it.

Cold and dark will slow up or stop egg laying.

Maize helps with yolk colour depth.

[Egluntyne]

The 'grit' in the pellets is the source of calcium. It is al they need if their only food is the pellets if they are being fed extras, they beed a source of either flint grit or mixed poultry grit. If they are free ranging, they will pick up tiny stones, which will do the job of grinding up the food, but it is always a good idea to put out an extra source from which they can help themselves.

[Mr Rhode Island Red]

all quite normal, sometimes my hens lay at 4 .30 in the evenimg