1yr old hens new to me, 6 weeks still no eggs!!!!

[Mahonri]

Quote:
What Jena says. Chill, as long as they look healthy and are eating and drinking...no worries.

Is the run covered?

 

[MsMelvin]

You certainly should not be feeling like you did something bad to these girls! Let's take into consideration...a group of thirty that have not been outside...they most likely have not been exposed to human behavior except for the feeding, watering and egg collection.

I vote, talk to them; everyday. If you have reading to do and the weather is nice, sit by the coop where they can see you and just calmly talk to them now and then. You don't have to push yourself on them or handle them. Let them get to know you, observation is key with chickens... they don't take their eyes off you when you are near; right?

I start every day with "good morning girls"

as I approach my Rhodie girl's coop and now they talk back as soon as they hear my vioce. (They can see me through the windows too). Now we are at the point where I have to use my body to block the door as they will try to be the closest one to me to get the blackoil sunflower seeds I treat them when I visit...accidently bumping into one another. They now tolerate petting and even being picked up.

Mine used to run away from me too...give them time but talk to them (or sing if your good at it)!

Good Luck and hang in there...they will come around. Sally

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Agreed. And remember that animals read our "atttitude;" they pick up on anxiety, fear, feeling relaxed, etc. Chickens aren't exactly bright, after all, yet it amazes me how well they do this.

 

[missfitch]

well good news, The girls made their first apperance for Easter. The run is fully inclosed (top has chicken wire so they are safe) They are 1 year old and like 3 weeks. when I filled up there run water bottle today they came right up to say hi. Im just happy they are not sitting in the dark wondering where they are. So all is well this Easter night!!!
Thanks to everyone!

 

[birdlover]

 

[missfitch]

I have had them 6+ weeks now, still no eggs, at this point I dont think its going to happen, they were 1 in April, they eat a layer crumble, get lots of treats, have a safe coop and run which is fully inclosed for safty. WHAT do I do?

 

[cmom]

Try putting some golf balls or fake eggs in the nest boxes.

 

[missfitch]

Thanks for the idea, I will try tomorrow!

 

[Hambone02]

I've heard of some people putting cayenne in the drinking water to help promote laying? Has anyone else heard of this?

 

[missfitch]

almost 8 weeks, still no eggs