First Egg Countdown

[Junibutt]

Hi Happychooks, I know its not the right forum but I know you will provide good advice.

The RIR I just adopted 4 days ago seems to have gone broody. She is not coming out of the nesting area for almost 48 hrs now. yesterday she came out briefly to eat for about 30 minutes and then went back in again. I am concerned it may be a temporary phase because she is not making any broody hen sounds or fluffing her feathers. Is that because she is in a new environment or she is not really broody?

We would really like to set some eggs under her, however need to know:

A) If she is really broody?
B) Are RIR's good mothers?
C) Can you recommend some good breeders where I can get quality fertilized eggs from? I am in Chicago so was hoping someone closeby so there is less shipping damage.

 

[Happy Chooks]

hen laid this today....

Congrats.

 

[LadyCluck77]

You were lied to on their age.  They are close, but not any day close. 

Thank you Chooks! I'm glad they're growing. I thought they were looking a bit redder, but wondered if it was wishful thinking.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Hi Happychooks, I know its not the right forum but I know you will provide good advice.

The RIR I just adopted 4 days ago seems to have gone broody. She is not coming out of the nesting area for almost 48 hrs now. yesterday she came out briefly to eat for about 30 minutes and then went back in again. I am concerned it may be a temporary phase because she is not making any broody hen sounds or fluffing her feathers. Is that because she is in a new environment or she is not really broody?

We would really like to set some eggs under her, however need to know:

A) If she is really broody?
B) Are RIR's good mothers?
C) Can you recommend some good breeders where I can get quality fertilized eggs from? I am in Chicago so was hoping someone closeby so there is less shipping damage.

Is she on the nest at night? She could be thinking about being broody but not fully there yet. I do nothing with my hens until they are on the nest for 2 consecutive nights - then I know they are serious. Not all will puff up and growl, though most of mine do. (Had 10 broodies this year). If in doubt, wait - it won't hurt her to sit an extra week until you are sure.

RIR are not known for broodiness, but I have a hatchery RIR (otherwise known as a production red) go broody. She has been broody twice now (once last year and once this year) and she is a great mother.

What breeds are you looking for? I can most likely find you some, but I need to know what you are looking for.

 

[MrOrpington16]

Im waiting for my barred rock Lulu to lay... I am going insane and she is a noisy chicken who likes to roar at me. She squatted only once for me... grrr.... I can fit 2 1/2 fingers between her two pelvic bones


pelvic bo

 

[Happy Chooks]

Are you positive she is not laying? Usually, 1 finger width between the pelvic bones on pullets that are not laying. 2 or more on those that are laying. Of course, it's still dependent on the size of your hands.

 

[Whoops]

If my barred rock, easter egger, and welsommer are at 16 weeks, should I be getting a laying box ready so they will be used to it by the time they lay? I am assuming I still have a month or more before I can start really hoping for eggs, but I don't want them to be uncertain about the nesting box and laying in unexpected places. I am sort of procrastinating setting up a laying box because I want to avoid them developing any naughty sleeping in the nest box or pooping in the nest box habits.

 

[MrOrpington16]

Are you positive she is not laying? Usually, 1 finger width between the pelvic bones on pullets that are not laying. 2 or more on those that are laying. Of course, it's still dependent on the size of your hands.

NO she is not laying When she free ranges I see where she goes... I don't have small hands so I guess anyday now??

 

[dadschicks]

Hi, I have 4 hens, a cinnamon queen, a bard rock, a americana and a rhode island red. Not sure if any of those are spelled correctly, so I apologize in advance. My girls are 22 week and I got my first egg today. YEAH!!! I am pretty sure it was the cinnamon queen who layed it because she was checking out the nest a lot today when I was cleaning the coop. I returned a few hours later and there it was. Oh so happy. Can't wait to see if there will be another tomorrow!
Debbie

 

[Chrysolinsbirds]

Ooh that's a nice big egg =) good shape too, awesome, hope she has another for u tomorrow, check an hour later every day till she lays just before dark then start in the mornings =)