Single hen

[jsbates65]

When the chickens start laying eggs is there anything that should be added to their diet?

 

http://club.omlet.co.uk/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=15211

 

It's little (I've had two so far). . .and earlier than I thought. . .and not consistent yet. . .but I've got egg!

[Egluntyne]

Congratulations!

 

What are you feeding them on at the moment?

 

Now they are laying they should have layers pellets or mash and a permanently available supply of mixed poultry grit as a minimum, with the occasional treat.

[jsbates65]

I had been giving them chicken feed called "start & grow" (i think). . .I picked up "layer pellets" today. they also free range, but I still give them grit. They also get fresh corn almost daily with a few other treats.

 

Do the layer pellets give them calcium to help with shell formation? i guess i could read the label! THANKS

 

Also. . .at what point of day do your hens lay? Mine must lay mid-morning because when I let them out around 7:30am. . .no eggs, but usually when I come home at lunch there is an egg.

[The Pearsons]

My hens lay a bit later every day, then miss a day, then start early morning again....

 

Helen in Hume

[Sarah 2]

Mine seem to like to lay in the morning. And just when we want eggs at the weekend they decide to have a day off.

[Egluntyne]

Mine lay mid to late morning.

 

Yes, Layers pellets should contain calcium.

[starboyhull]

Ours lay between about 8 and 11 upto now........

[Snowy]

Congratulations on your first eggs John! What clever chooks

My 5 layers seem to take all day - it's pointless collecting before mid afternoon as another will usually turn up!

[jsbates65]

I was home today and caught Clarisse sitting in the nest. . .Rosemary was pecking around the Eglu a bit and finally just came and sat in the door of the Eglu until Clarisse was done and could come out and play again.

 

What happens when Rosemary starts to lay? Will she lay in the nest as well even if Clarisse has already laid an egg there?

[craftyhunnypie]

Yes - they still go in the nest even if there is another egg there. They are usually very careful too as in their minds they are all their eggs and they think ' haven't I been clever'!

It's a good idea to egg collect as often as you can tho, or else the others might sit on them & become broody. I'm forever looking out my kitchen window & counting the legs. If I count 6, then there is no one in the nest. But usually when one is laying another goes in the eglu & they have morning coffee or afternoon tea together!

 

There is usually an announcement of an egg afterwards as well!

 

Emma.x