BYC Café

[Shadrach]

I'll probably get some flack for this but...
Don't buy hatchery chickens. They are fine if you want a few hens that will lay eggs for a few years but as a long term flock option there are far better choices. If you want further elaboration then drop me a PM.
If you free range then it is probable that at some point your hens have laid eggs away from the coop. Have you found such a nest?
The nest site can make a difference. Most here did not lay clutches in any of the coops when they intended to sit. They know the eggs are not safe, because we (humans) steal them.
So, leaving eggs to accumulate helps. There is nothing like a tidy pile of eggs to make a hen think about sitting on them.

 

[blackandtan]

I'll probably get some flack for this but...
Don't buy hatchery chickens. They are fine if you want a few hens that will lay eggs for a few years but as a long term flock option there are far better choices. If you want further elaboration then drop me a PM.
If you free range then it is probable that at some point your hens have laid eggs away from the coop. Have you found such a nest?
The nest site can make a difference. Most here did not lay clutches in any of the coops when they intended to sit. They know the eggs are not safe, because we (humans) steal them.
So, leaving eggs to accumulate helps. There is nothing like a tidy pile of eggs to make a hen think about sitting on them.

Yes there have definitely been nests “elsewhere”, I can think of three big ones offhand, two were very safe and used by multiple hens, one was ridiculous, one hen laid maybe 100 eggs in the back of a fire truck, I saw her head over there and looked all over the ground many times before I gave up; we moved the truck in the fall and I finally saw all her eggs rolling out of it like little grenades all over the driveway. No one showed interest in setting on those nests, it was lay and walk away.
I’m trying to stop buying chicks for many reasons, it’s taken me a few years to find the right breeds, after this year I’ll be producing all my own stock (hopefully)

 

[FortCluck]

I can't even think about losing my father. I'll start choking up. When I lost my grandfather in 5th grade it tore my insides and just talking about him makes me cry. Everyone saw him as this monster and I saw the true man he was. He was loving and caring, he just didn't show many people that side. He showed me though and I'll forever remember him.

 

[FortCluck]

Went to dunkins and got a everything bagel with beyond sausage nothing else so freaking delicious!

 

[Building Bridges]

I can't even think about losing my father. I'll start choking up. When I lost my grandfather in 5th grade it tore my insides and just talking about him makes me cry. Everyone saw him as this monster and I saw the true man he was. He was loving and caring, he just didn't show many people that side. He showed me though and I'll forever remember him.

 

[Building Bridges]

Went to dunkins and got a everything bagel with beyond sausage nothing else so freaking delicious!

That sounds wonderful!! I had an everything bagel today from the farm market....pretty nice way to start the day!

 

[FortCluck]

That sounds wonderful!! I had an everything bagel today from the farm market....pretty nice way to start the day!

I'm heading to a swim meet. I had to eat something to get ready to cheer lol

 

[Building Bridges]

I'm heading to a swim meet. I had to eat something to get ready to cheer lol

Yes!!! How can you cheer enthusiastically with no fuel in the furnace! Have fun!

 

[FortCluck]

Yes!!! How can you cheer enthusiastically with no fuel in the furnace! Have fun!

Two eggs were zipping when I left this morning

 

[MysteryChicken]

If he was a blue wheaten birchen (whatever one of those is) you might have a point.
He is what some people describe as a mutt. I don't have any specific breeds here except one Marans hen.
I have some lovely chickens here though.

Blue wheaten, Birchen/Crowing is just the color.
I have both mixed breeds, & some purebreds. Purebreds I have mainly is Porcelain D'Uccles, Mille Fleur D'Uccles, a Silver Duckwing OEGB, & Silkies.
Working on project Orpingtons right now.