chickenmum Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Hi, I am totally new to keeping chicken and have bought my egglu three weeks ago. I got three Columbian Blacktail hybrids (Bettie, Lettie and Hettie) that have 2 x 6 metres space to roam. I bought them as Point of Lay chickesn and have had them now for three weeks, but... no eggs! I clean the egglu tray every day and put fresh straw in the nest box but the only thing they seem to do in the nest box is poo! I feed them layers pellets and a bit of mixed corn in the afternoon as a treat. They also have grit. Am I being too impatient or am I doing something wrong? Any help for this novice would be really appreciated! Thanks x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Congrats on getting your hens and welcome to the forum! Point Of Lay isn't an exact science. Do you know how old your birds are? Best way to tell if they are laying is looking at their comb and wattles. They should be red and their faces should be a nice pink, when they are laying. If they are still light pink, they are just not there yet. Also, some hens will crouch if they are laying. (Definitely not all though) They sort of lay down in front of you on their belly and spread their wings a bit. Personally I wouldn't use straw in the nestbox, as it can harbor red mite. I just have wood chippings, which work just as well. Just to be certain they are not secretly tucking into their own eggs, you might want to check their nestbox frequently during the day, and moniter any hens that pop into the eglu during the day. Ps: picture are mandatory! but you'll be able upload them only after at least 5 posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Congratulations on your chickens! Yep everything Cat Tails said. And ditch the straw and use Aubiose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Welcome They are probably just settling in I'm sure eggs will follow shortly. You would be wise to provide oyster shell for them too, it's to help with egg shells Yes straw can harbour mites, mine got scaley leg mites this way Enjoy your hens & remember you will always find help, support & advice here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricmonddan Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Some hens will crouch if they are laying. (Definitely not all though) They sort of lay down in front of you on their belly and spread their wings a bit. . Ah that explains that! makes them much easier to pick up and check over too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenmum Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 Thank you very much for all your responses. It is nice to find a community out there. I love my three girls and am surprised how quickly I got attached to them. I will be a little bit more patient and replace the straw by wood chips this weekend. I will keep you posted on the first "arrival". Two at least have got quite red combs and waddles so should not be far off then. But indeed they had a lot of changes over the last three weeks, coming from a big barn with lots of POL chicks and moving into the egglu 'des res'. They are quite tame though, eat out of my hand etc. Haven't found any half eaten eggs or such but will check more regularly. Many thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenmum Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 Just to let you know... I took Cattails advice and checked the box just now and... found my first egg! What a great experience. I've never been so happy with an egg! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eve Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 They will lay, but when your waiting for your first egg it seems forever. As others have said depends on age. Ive had new ones that laid the next day ive also had some that have taken 4 weeks. It will be worth the wait xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Just to let you know... I took Cattails advice and checked the box just now and... found my first egg! What a great experience. I've never been so happy with an egg! Great result! Btw... I had to wait about 4 months for mine... But my ladies were only 12 weeks when I got them. Some hens will crouch if they are laying. (Definitely not all though) They sort of lay down in front of you on their belly and spread their wings a bit. . Ah that explains that! makes them much easier to pick up and check over too They are sort of waiting for you to do the deed Ric, as there is no cockerel around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Yay egg dance strikes again it is virtually an omlet tradition! Enjoy your egg .......now just the vital question.....which way to have it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Oo I love the egg dance. Just wait till they all start laying. 3 eggs a day. Yippee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 first egg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Congratulations Enjoy your first egg. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenmum Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 Thanks for all your help and replies. I had my first egg this morning fried and it was delicious! Never tasted anything like it. I am a proud chickenmum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
