Easter Egger club!

[schnebbles]

Chickens get mareks and turkeys (that I know of), no other farm animals or humans. It is highly contagious and if one bird gets it, they have all been exposed. It usually kills the bird, and more than one in your flock. If you don't see any signs, limping, paralysis you're probably ok.

 

[jerryse]

Marecks is a virus disease spread by dander it can be caught by chicks up to about 12 weeks or so of age. Incubation period is about 12-16 weeks then symptoms appear. in my experience it shows at about 5-6 months of age. Vaccination is available for chicks.

 

[schnebbles]

Yes, it can also show up in older birds but apparently younger is more common. I think my last one was 7 months. Others have had it in 2 year old birds so you're never 100% safe but if you make it past 8 months or so, I think it's a little safer.

 

[Mybackyardgirls]

Finally, Miss Alissa (the late bloomer) laid a beautiful blue egg yesterday. And again today. How lucky am I to have two laying EE's?

Miss Lis actually was singing. I had read about this but none of the other chickens sing while laying. I'll try to capture a video and sound. It's so lovely.

 

[Scrambles55]

@MybackyardgirlsYes... Please get video of the singing. Mine sing after an egg is laid, but I have not heard them while laying. I really need to spend more time with them.

 

[MEMama3]

I got to hear the egg song for the first time in forever. With the house all buttoned up for the winter, I can't hear them. It was a beautiful sound.

 

[Gryphon]

Not sure I'd call it "beautiful" but it does make me laugh every time. It's like it wells up in them and they heve to yell it for everyone to hear.

 

[abserbean]

I have two EE's, one lays a green egg and one lays a speckled brown egg. My green egg layer does great, started at about 20 weeks and layed all through the winter until she started a molt last week. My brown egg layer is a rescue, I got her five months ago at 14 months old, and she has layed all of one egg since I've had her! Lucky my daughter adores her, so she has a home here regardless!

This is Cookie, our green egg layer.

and this is Lily, our lazy layer!

 

[clutterbegone]

I just love my EE hens. They are absolutely beautiful. They seemed to start laying later than my other girls. How good of layers are they. I have 3 hens and don't get eggs every day.

 

[Scrambles55]

Rumples beautiful blue egg. I am sooooo happy. It is very small.... like 44 grams. Chicken life is so very good.