Fluffy_Butt
Songster
TLDR: Are hens laying younger than expected any reason for concern? Or an indication that they're ill or I’m doing something wrong? I'm guess I'm worried for nothing, but it seems odd so I wanted to check with you awesome people!
Hi, I have some Cochin girls who hatched mid-may, making them about 5.5 months old. From what I’ve read, I shouldn’t be expecting them to start laying until closer to 8-9 months or as late next spring, right? Well this past weekend, Nova, one of my whites retreated into the silkies’ coop for several hours (unusual, but not unheard of since they have their own stash of food in there). Eventually (hours later) I got worried and went to check on her only to find Sam, my alpha rooster, escorting her back to the flock. They were chummy for a while after that too, so that was sweet. Anyway, I went to check the coop, and there was an egg! I’m pretty sure it was hers since it was still slightly warm. I thought maybe she was just a bit of an early developer, but last night there were 2 eggs in there, so apparently she’s starting a trend! Is there any reason to be concerned about them laying so young?
lol, I feel unprepared, like my 4 year old daughter just got her period or something!
anyway, they’re on flock-raiser with free choice oyster shells. Thanks!
Hi, I have some Cochin girls who hatched mid-may, making them about 5.5 months old. From what I’ve read, I shouldn’t be expecting them to start laying until closer to 8-9 months or as late next spring, right? Well this past weekend, Nova, one of my whites retreated into the silkies’ coop for several hours (unusual, but not unheard of since they have their own stash of food in there). Eventually (hours later) I got worried and went to check on her only to find Sam, my alpha rooster, escorting her back to the flock. They were chummy for a while after that too, so that was sweet. Anyway, I went to check the coop, and there was an egg! I’m pretty sure it was hers since it was still slightly warm. I thought maybe she was just a bit of an early developer, but last night there were 2 eggs in there, so apparently she’s starting a trend! Is there any reason to be concerned about them laying so young?
lol, I feel unprepared, like my 4 year old daughter just got her period or something!
anyway, they’re on flock-raiser with free choice oyster shells. Thanks!
