Sooo, I got 3 "laying hens" and 2 Pullets...well, I have gotten 4 eggs in 4 days, and this morning I found either the remains of a shell-less egg, or an egg that had been eaten (but there was no shell ANYWHERE.) Also...I've been giving them oyster shell....they are GOBBLING it up...so...are they seriously definicient in calcium maybe? The first two eggs I got one of them was cracked a little...like it had been pecked almost...is there any way to stop them from eating them if they are? Just collect them earlier? They seem healthy, but I don't know much about chickens. I'm pretty sure my Easter Egger hasn't laid any yet...she gets in the next box though...how do I tell if she is broody? how long does it take to lay an egg? What is this "egg song" I keep hearing about? Any help is appreciated, and even though I like them, I got them because they were supposed to be laying...as long as they are healthy, even if their production has slowed down, i'm ok with that, but I have no idea what signs to look for in case they are egg bound or broody or anything like that. Also...how much water would two banty's go through in a day? I forgot to dip my pullets beaks when I got home, so I have been worried maybe they aren't drinking...the water is finally almost empty after 4 days, but it's just a little quart size waterer for two banty cochins...but they seem healthy. Also..I have my chickens and ducks together, and they seemed to be doing fine, but my drake had a cut on his foot today...it wasn't bad and had already stopped bleeding when I figured out where the drops of blood in the bedding had come from, but I am afraid the chickens might mess with him now? Anyone know if I should be worried? Thanks so much for any and all help that I can get!!!
Good to know about the shell-less eggs...and about the move...I guess since I've gotten eggs from two of them I just didn't really think of it being a stress thing, and the Isa is rocking it out giving me an egg a day...the reason I wondering how long is the EE went in the nest box...hung out for awhile, got out, but nothing there...maybe she just wanted to sit there?
