Barnevelder’s First Egg!

[qopt]

Is this other chickens already laying? It was more likely making its self a bit of a nest than burying the ceramic eggs. Take the eggs out and put them in the hole that was dug in the box. That makes it look like another hen made a nest and laid eggs there.

I believe it is. I used to believe the chicken was a Roo, but there wouldn't be any reason for a roo to be sitting and kicking around in a nesting box, right?
I switched both of the ceramic eggs over into the other nesting box. I'll switch them back.

Also- none of my other chickens are laying yet. They're still all eating Purina Start And Grow. Should I switch to layer feed for the one that has started laying?

 

[black_cat]

I believe it is. I used to believe the chicken was a Roo, but there wouldn't be any reason for a roo to be sitting and kicking around in a nesting box, right?
I switched both of the ceramic eggs over into the other nesting box. I'll switch them back.

Also- none of my other chickens are laying yet. They're still all eating Purina Start And Grow. Should I switch to layer feed for the one that has started laying?

Keep them on grower until almost all are laying. Offer oyster shell or crushed egg shells on the side for the ones that need the extra calcium. If your chooks are already at laying age, you would know if one was a roo. Lots of crowing and aggressiveness from all those teenage hormones you're also right, a rooster wouldn't really be interested in the nesting boxes, at least not from what I know about chickens.

 

[BarredRockMom]

Congratulations !! Have you heard them sing the egg song yet?? You will!! The are SO happy that they announce their accomplishment to anyone who will listen. I read an article on this site once indicating that the egg song was an invitation to the rooster to come & escort the hen back to the rest of the flock. She could travel back safely with an escort, and since it was likely his genetics she was helping to pass in, he would dutifully oblige.

Made sense to me, though my girls never needed an escort back to choice grazing & their flock mates after laying an egg, since they laid their eggs early am & got out later afternoon- early evening!

 

[lynx04]

I'm curious as I have added a few Barnevelders to my flock this year. One of them is laying and has been for about 3 weeks (the others are about 4 weeks younger than her). Like the picture you posted of your egg, hers are all exactly like that: small and pale brown. I thought that Barnevelders were supposed to lay dark brown eggs (which is why I got them). Have yours gotten any larger and have they darkened in color at all?