Connecticut!

[weesy68]

Hi from Stratford! I don't know how far of a ride it is for you but I get 50lb feed bags from Benedicts of Monroe. There is also a organic/holistic pet store in Stratford who carries layer feed, if you have a privately owned pet store near you you could approach them about making a special order for you.

 

[The reluctant chicken]

There is a tractor supply on Rte. 6 in Farmington across from Joey Garlics. I work in Southington and will go there sometimes in the morning when I get off work, depending on what I need. Labeniac's (sp) in Kensington is another choice. They also raise chickens at their place and bring them into the store to sell. Thomastona and Torrington also have feed stores that I go to..So there are quite a few choices.

 

[BirdsinBethel]

The Agways in Bethel and Danbury both carry the big bags of chick feed and layer pellets but they're not on display, you have to ask for them- same with big bags of wood shavings, etc. Good luck with your barred rock chicks; my girls are about 18 weeks old now and my BR has become such a gorgeous gal with her striped 'petticoats' all fluffy under her hindquarters!

 

[mommy3]

Thanks for the info everyone! I will check out a map and see- farmington is probably the closest but others are definately not too far! One more question- is there an easy way to track my posts and check for responses? I have never done anything like this so the forum stuff is new to me. so far I have just gone page by page in the topic to find my post-I am thinking there must be an easier way!

 

[Beth G.]

Welcome to BYC CT forum!!! Please feel free to ask away your questions. This is a great group and we love to help all peeps out!

To follow a thread/forum what you need to do is when you type in a post, before you hit the submit button you need to check the box for "Subscribe to this topic" you only need to do it once and everytime someone chats in this forum you will get an email

As for the feed, TSC has a great supply. Sometimes you will find that chick starter is not offered in the fall or winter months. If that is the case whether it be Agway or any other place, ask them for a list of poultry feeds. Check to see if they have crumbles in 20% protein or higher. If not see if they have turkey or game bird pellets in 20% or higher. You can always crush up the pellets in a food processors or in a bucket with a heavy board or something. Where there is a will there is a way!!!

Best Wishes to you and your new babies!
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[BirdsinBethel]

Well my girls are now 18 and 19 weeks old...each morning I eagerly check the next boxes but so far, they're stlll free loaders! What was the age your girls started laying? My BR's comb/wattles are bright red so I'm hoping that means she'll get busy soon; I've seen the EE checking out the nest box too but the others are all acting normally (light brahma, partridge rock, SLW)...

 

[Beth G.]

Well, that is a tough one. Each breed lays an egg the first time at different weeks of life. Also, you need to account for a couple of things working against you this time of year

One, Day light is is decreasing everyday. You need usually 16 hours of light to make a hen eager to lay an egg

Right now I think we are down to 11-12 hours. You can help this situation out by putting a light on in the coop from 6pm to 10pm.

Lastly, when the temps first start to drop at night I think that slows egg production down a bit. I truely believe the hens need that extra energy to keep warm. But, each person looks at things differently. But, for example... Due to drop in Temp on Friday last week. I was getting 12-16 eggs per day from my araucana flock of 18 birds. Saturday I only got 6, Sunday I only got 3, and Monday I got a big fat....... 0!!

So, as you can see it's all unpredictable. I will cross my fingers and toes

and hope I am wrong in your case. If I had to wager on who would lay an egg first I say the EE

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[new chick 203]

Beth's right. My EEs started at about 26 weeks, BLRW at 30 something and Cochins... well I think it was something like 40 weeks. I have very slow girls. in any case if they don't start soon they might just wait till the days start getting longer in Feb. or so. Are they doing the submissive squat yet?

 

[BirdsinBethel]

No squatting yet .. I have a light that gives them extra light in the morning and the evening so they're getting about 15 hours of light a day. A few postings on another forum had said to give light in the early morning hours and not at night, as when the light went out what if they were off the perch and then it was too dark for them to get up onto it... another said to do the light in the evening hours to make the warmth last longer... so I split the difference and I'm doing it on both ends of the day!
I know the season is working against me, but I really hope I don't have to wait until 40 weeks to get some eggs!!

 

[new chick 203]

I know, I just about went crazy looking for eggs, but when it finally happens you'll be so proud!