cyclonetog Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Having lost out hybrid layers to the fox in summer, we bought 3 pure breed pullets late in August 2012, hoping they might start last year. Well, they didn't The Orpington squatted for me on Saturday, so I thought the first egg was a week to 10 days away. I was out all day Sunday, so didn't see them until I went out this morning and there in the nest box was the first egg, very small. I suspect it was laid some time yesterday, because we got another this afternoon, slightly larger but still small. I guess this post is just a bit of encouragement for those waiting or wondering when their hens may start laying, I know it can be frustrating if you have your first brood and are not sure what's going to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missusmac Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I was certainly feeling that frustration until my first egg arrived today. You said your first one was very small but today's is bigger? I've asked in another post but is that normal? I was very surprised by the size of mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 It is normal, it takes a while for the chook to get in the swing of it. Congratulations to you both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shirl Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I'm still waiting for my polish to lay and they were hatched May last year. I'm assuming they're female because i haven't heard crowing either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 My Welsummer bantams haven't laid yet and they hatched at Easter, the two Wyondottes are, one laid a few late autumn and then stopped for a few weeks. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyclonetog Posted February 5, 2013 Author Share Posted February 5, 2013 Cheers for the replies! It's certainly different with pure breeds when you're used to hybrids. Good luck to those still waiting, I'm sure you won't be waiting long now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyclonetog Posted February 18, 2013 Author Share Posted February 18, 2013 Unfortunately, she laid her last egg on the 10th Feb. After a couple of days not laying I thought it was fair enough because she'd been busy (5 days in a row). On Friday she'd started to act quite lethargic, so I took her to the breeder on Saturday. She had sour crop and although she seemed to improve slightly yesterday, she died today. She was a very good looking bird, quite a shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 Oh sorry to hear that! I lost a young hen last year to an impacted crop, very sad! Hopefully your other girls will start laying soon?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyclonetog Posted February 21, 2013 Author Share Posted February 21, 2013 Only have 1 Marans left at the mo, might pick up an Appenzeller to keep her company, she's getting a bit bored! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
