dumb chicken questions coming-watch out!

[Jon J]

The lady I bought them from, said they were young chicks around Easter and told me they would start laying bout 3 wks after I got em. Its been four weeks now since I got em.

 

[dacjohns]

They were probably about a week old (maybe younger) at Easter. That makes them about 15 weeks old or about 3 months and a week or two old (unless I miscounted).

They usually start laying at about 4 to 6 months old.

My guess is another month or three before they start laying. Math isn't my strong subject though.

 

[chickenannie]

Mine started laying when they were 5.5 months old.
Also, if you have a large breed, those milk crates might not be big enough. Mine Buff Orpingtons needed a bigger size nest and won't go into a milk crate. Sometimes people put a little bar or "step" in front of the nest box so they can step from it into the nest. Perhaps yours can't quite get to the nest boxes properly?

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
One sure way to deal with this situation: wait.

 

[Jon J]

Thats all I can do.

 

[chcknrs]

Another way is to go out of town. I have to be gone for over a week, starting Thursday. My chickens have all the signs, still no eggs. I just know the kids are gonna find the first egg!

 

[fivebigreds]

Quote:
Yes you can make a mash out of their feed and yes they will eat it. That is what i do with the powder in the feed that they don't eat , just mix water in it and throw it in piles and they think it's a new treat.

 

[JudyMcKinn]

I don't believe I would give them marshmallows. I get cracked corn (grains broken into 4 or 5 pieces--not ground into flour, but courser) and use it only as a treat. Tablespoonful or so every couple days. They love it.
Sounds like your chickens shouldn't be laying for a couple months yet. The person who sold them to you possibly stretched the truth a bit, to sell them. But this will give them a chance to mature so they will be good layers. What breed are they??

 

[cajunlizz]

I give my teens ( 12 - 14 weeks old ) grower pellets . My layers are on Laying pellets .


Other than that I do give them scraps ( leftovers ) RICE , bread , veggies

I avoid the sweet stuff

 

[Jon J]

I imagine they shouldnt eat alot of other things. I just gave the marshmallows as a one time treat cause I had one bag sitting on the shelf for years!