Cube Mark One Run

[1 Silkie lady]

I bought 4 "hens??" 1 month ago. 3 silkies and 1 Sussex/Silkie cross. Only the cross is old enough to lay yet. On the first day 1 got her she layed 1 egg nothing the next day and then 1 egg the day after. Since then nothing. I have been doing lots of research which I obviously should have done before but some friends with chooks told me it was so easy. So what am I doing wrong? They live in an old shed with a run. I put them in a hutch at night for protection against the fox. This is filled with straw. They have a litter tray with straw where she laid before.I have noticed that her comb is small and pink. They are being fed layers pellets and crumb and growers for the younger ones also some corn. Anyone got any advise please?

[catherinedon]

in no way am i an wxpert but I would think that she has just stopped laying for the winter which is normal

[Daphne]

Don't worry - when a pullet comes into lay for the first time it is often a bit hit and miss. This very cold weather won't have helped either, and anyway most pure breeds don't lay in winter (but silkies are more likely to). Carry on giving her layers, with the odd bit of corn before bed if you like, particularly in the cold weather (don't feed this in the morning, you want her to eat her layers first ). You could also try worming her and double check she isn't hiding the eggs from you

[MissSilkie]

Yes, she probably will lay again. I wouldn't worry too much

[1 Silkie lady]

Thanks for the advice sounds like I just need to sit tight and wait and keep buying eggs !!!!

[bevmatt]

I would agree with the above - the fact that her comb is small would generally indicate she is still young - once we get up to about 10 hours light again she should come back into lay.