Take part in study on PFAS 'forever chemicals' in eggs

[foodiejo]

Just got my girls about a week and a half ago. Told by the local small holder i got them from they were a year old and all layers. Hamble (looks like a black rock) laid on the 2nd day and has laid virtually every day since. The other two (Jemima- black rock-esqu and Betty - maran/speckly) have dark pink combs (one floppy - most of the books i've read say they should be upright so does this indicate she may be older?) but thus far no eggs? I've wormed them all and treated them to some pro-biotic yogurt and acv in their water (upgrading to the life of riley obviously had an adverse effect on their tummies), and have checked them for lice, all clear. I can return Betty & jemima but we've bonded and the kids don't want to replace them, any ideas?

[Ain't Nobody Here]

It may be the move that's put them off laying in which case they should start again soon . Are you sure the breeder said they are that old? It's more normal to get hens at point of lay, ie about 16-18 weeks old.

 

A floppy comb isn't necessarily a bad thing, my Columbine had one her whole life .

 

Could you post photos of them all and the experts on here (not me!) might have an idea what age they are?

[foodiejo]

thanks, i'll do that. I got them from a local smallholder rather than a breeder, don't think they've been used to much luxury, they must think they've won the chucklottery, thanks again for your reply

[scarlettohara]

My columbines have huge floppy combs, they are about 14 months old. Any pics ?

[foodiejo]

Hi, going to do photos tonight, so hopefully someone will be able to help with telling the age of my girls. The small holder i got them from is more than happy to swap to two non performers and I am sowing this seed to the children, especially as they were crazing me for poached eggs this morning and with one between two of them this might be something to consider! I have just read on another site that the older they are the scalier their legs are? I'll try and get them on the photo too.

[foodiejo]

Got the photos, just can't attach them anywhere?

[fluffy chick]

I'm not sure about age but they look strong and healthy to me. TBH I would leave them another week or two before swapping them. I wouldn't be surprised if a hen stopped laying for a fortnight when she's moved to new surroundings.

[foodiejo]

Hi, here they are.........

 

 

Betty (Not Laying)

Hamble (Laying)

Jemima (the friendliest - but sadly not Laying)

Hamble & Jemima

All girls together

Slightly Henpecked Jemima & Betty

Edited July 23, 2011 by Guest

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Jemima's comb certainly doesn't look very developed (although it's hard to tell without a closeup!). They all look very healthy so perhaps they're just not as old as you were told and are still to start laying. Some can be up to 40 weeks old before they start.

[foodiejo]

Hope these better.... Jemima's flops over to her left