Cackling chicken

[Miceeatingchicken]

My chickens were given to me last November. They were probably a month old when I got them, and I've been watching how they have grown and how they fly. I have 5 RIR that are pretty big, and slightly smaller: a barred rock; a polish and 2 more RIR. The smaller ones are of the same age I guess, while the bigger ones are also of the same age. They came in 2 separate cages. Two days ago, I noticed the big ones starting to cackle- are they close to laying? I have a box with hay they go in to peck on the hay and poop in but I have not had any egg. I have been giving them crackled corn, kitchen scrap, left overs, some fruits and veg and grass or clover from the field.

 

[FluffyFaverolles]

I’m not sure, some chickens just love to hear themselves talk. I’ve heard something about the noise levels going down after they start laying but... my Faverolles haven’t changed. They cackle just for the sake of it. Perhaps it could be attributed to them being about to lay though, probably a confusing time for them if so lol

 

[benevolent_leonela]

Pullets begin laying around 16 weeks of age. There can be some slight variation between breeds but judging by the info you have shared they are not quite of laying age yet! Still have a little ways to go. Are you familiar with what an 'egg song' is? a quick Google search can tell you what an egg song is and you could compare the sound your lady bird is making to the audio or video recording. Just an idea!

 

[Yardmom]

It sounds as if you might not know the exact age, so take a look at combs and waddles. They will become much redder shortly before the pullets lay.

 

[Miceeatingchicken]

Thank you! If I can still remember how they make all the noise after they have laid an egg, I think I know what it sounds like. I think it's a great idea to look at the combs-- they are still very very small with respect to combs, although the 5 big RIRs look like they are getting there, but I will def go look at the combs! Thank you all for your comments!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have been giving them crackled corn, kitchen scrap, left overs, some fruits and veg and grass or clover from the field.

Is this their entire diet or are they getting chicken feed as well?

 

[Miceeatingchicken]

Crackled corn is their staple. Should I add more? Normally if we have leftover meat which is spicy, I give it to them too, together with all other leftovers or scraps that aren't fit for dogs.

 

[aart]

Crackled corn is their staple. Should I add more? Normally if we have leftover meat which is spicy, I give it to them too, together with all other leftovers or scraps that aren't fit for dogs.

Do they free range....is that where they catch mice to eat?

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[rosemarythyme]

Crackled corn is their staple. Should I add more? Normally if we have leftover meat which is spicy, I give it to them too, together with all other leftovers or scraps that aren't fit for dogs.

I know there's disagreement on this, but I would think they'd have better production (once they begin laying) on standard chicken feed, rather than corn and scraps and some forage.

 

[Miceeatingchicken]

They are inside a coop since I have dogs and there are coyotes and other predators on the other side of the fence. Apparently, the mice decided to live inside the coop as well since it is dry and I keep corn in there. =)