First Egg Countdown

[DRGLENNON]

Forgive my ignorance, what what is this and how is it done, and does it help?

Squatting is supposed to be a sign of maturity, The pullets way to say I'm ready. The distance between the pelvic bones should tell you if the bird is ready to lay. Much like a women hips spreading to prepare for birth. There has to be room for the egg to pass.

When I raised cockatiels they did not like it when I checked the pelvic bone (not that it harms them in anyway), I have not tried it with my chickens. You just feel from the outside to see how far apart the pelvic bones are.

I don't know if it helps the bird but trying to narrow down the elusive first egg can be difficult on the owners. lol!

My EE never did squat, still doesn't but she is laying now.

 

[Happy Chooks]

My barred rock girl I think squatted yesterday after I checked her pelvic bones to see if they were spreading yet, I could only fit one finger between the pelvic bones as of yesterday, but the squat was the first I have seen and it gives me hope! My first thought was that something was wrong since she was in a weird position with her wings held out a little, then I realized it was probably a squat and got excited. I cant wait for my first egg!!

Getting closer!

well I am up to 6 hens now. three i got as chicks, and three I have added over the last few weeks. Old new chicken (yes that is her name) is still not laying... I gave up on her. New chicken and honey (the two newest ones) have laid me one egg the day after they came here and then stopped. I suspect it was honey... and out of the three original chicks one buff is laying one egg every three days or so... I believe it to be nugget. Bemo and BBQ are still free loaders.... 6 hens, one rooster and I only get about three eggs a week? I need a bigger coop and a lot more chickens if this is going to be my rate of lay. HAHAHAHAHAH (like I need any more excuses for more chickens)

Depending on the age of your new additions, they are probably molting. Give high protein treats to help them through it.

And yes, that is exactly how you get to where I am. Hatching to make sure you have pullets laying when the older hens are molting. I started with 7 almost 6 years ago now - I'm up around 75 now, but many are cockerels that need to make the journey to the freezer.

Quote: Exactly.

 

[BriardChickens]

I never thought I'd join the club, but we got our very first egg today!!! I suspect the 28 week old Chantecler laid it.

(picture is ~2 weeks old)


And here is my dad holding the first egg:

 

[Happy Chooks]

Congrats!

 

[DRGLENNON]

Congrats on your egg. EE's take so long.

 

[nab58]

I got my first egg from my Easter Egger today. I'm am so thrilled. It is teeny, tiny and olive colored!

 

[LadyCluck77]

I got my first egg from my Easter Egger today. I'm am so thrilled. It is teeny, tiny and olive colored!

Congratulations! It's so pretty!

 

[BriardChickens]

I have to correct myself, we got 2 first eggs yesterday!!! The first I suspect came from the 28 week old Patridge Chantecler and the other from my 2013 Patridge Chantecler hen. (I got her along with the 4 pullets 6 weeks ago, she was broody when I got her and then went into molt)

Here in comparison to a store bought large egg! Ours are more narrow, but longer. Both eggs were laid on top of the nest boxes, close enough!?

SO proud of my 2 Chanty's!

 

[Happy Chooks]

I got my first egg from my Easter Egger today. I'm am so thrilled. It is teeny, tiny and olive colored!

Congrats! Great color!

I have to correct myself, we got 2 first eggs yesterday!!! The first I suspect came from the 28 week old Patridge Chantecler and the other from my 2013 Patridge Chantecler hen. (I got her along with the 4 pullets 6 weeks ago, she was broody when I got her and then went into molt)

Here in comparison to a store bought large egg! Ours are more narrow, but longer. Both eggs were laid on top of the nest boxes, close enough!?

SO proud of my 2 Chanty's!

Congrats!

 

[chicken chickie]

I managed to catch my lady Ginger in the act today ..she just hasn't laid in the nesting boxes so far but lays everyday now for one week