Hi Chicken People! I've been lurking the forums for quite some time, dreaming of getting chickens. It's finally happened and so naturally I would like some expert insight. My three lovely girls are a RIR named Rosie who is probably 8-10 months old and two Delawares named Juniper and Clementine who are probably 6-8 months old. Nobody is currently laying. Rosie was a laying (maybe got 4-5 eggs total) when I got her but has stopped. The Delaware have not yet begun. The days are short now and I've changed their feed to include probably too many treats yadda yadda. (Because it's super fun to feed them!) So I'm not surprised that Rosie quit for now....maybe until the spring even though I thought reds lay through the winter. Yesterday, however I noticed for the first time that Rosie's comb was very very red. (Delawares' are still pretty pale.) And then this morning (while I was bringing them a pie plate of quinoa, broccoli greens, and egg shells along with their boring food), I picked up and cuddled each one (much to their chagrin). And when I went for Rosie, she did the squat for the first time. So, what are your guesses? You think she may lay again soon? This pic is from one week ago before Rosie's comb got really bright.
Hi! My Rhode Island Red was squating and she started laying a week later. I bet Rosie will start laying soon
When the comb and wattles get bright red and the squatting begins, it's usually getting close to laying time...bet you'll see some eggs soon. Thanks for joining us!
G’Day from down under yellowbee0110 Welcome! Congratulations on your new feathered family members, they are adorable! It definitely sounds like Rosie is going to lay very soon. I hope you enjoy BYC; not only is it overflowing with lots of useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures about chickens, turkeys, duck, quail, Peas and pretty much any other feathered and non feathered friends
Sounds like Rosie will have more eggs coming down the pipes soon. New birds need time to adjust. Chickens aren't great with changes, everything stresses them.
Thanks, everyone! Nice to meet you all. @drumstick diva Rosie is definitely a little stress ball anyway. This is her third home. The guy I got her from rescued her and two roos from a friend who had a bad setup. This morning she ate some apple out of my hand for the first time, but only after one of her sisters was eating it and thus either proving it was safe, making her jealous enough to forget her fear, or smartly realizing her sister was closer to me and would get caught first. @Teila Yes, I can tell that I am going to need another outlet to share my chicken stories... People's eyes are already glazing over when I begin speaking. LOL I'll update whenever I find an egg!
Hello there, and welcome to the wonderful world of Backyard Chickens! I hope you will make yourself at home here and enjoy it as much as I have!
