First Egg Countdown

[7L Farm]

Quote:
That girl on the far right second perch will lay first.

 

[AlienChick]

I was thinkin' the same thing.

 

[CarolynF]

I'm still waiting on my young BSL (that's actually in question, sigh) Pearl. But I have a question for those with more experience.

She has been dropping a lot of feathers during the past week. They are mostly small fluffy ones, but there are a few of the big ones too. (pics below) She's too young to molt, only 4-5 months old. So my question is, what's with all the feathers??? Is there a problem or something I should be watching for?

I have just two birds, her and the EE that's laying. Her comb has started getting red as has her face. She's fairly big, a bit bigger than the EE. She hasn't done "the" squat yet.


This is Pearl. It's tough to take pictures of a black bird, the camera doesn't show the significant green sheen of her feathers:

About half of today's crop of feathers:

Pearl's face today:

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Carolyn

 

[Pele]

Thanks for joining the thread CarolynF! It sounds like your girl is working through her juvenile molt. They go through several of them before they fully get a suit of big-girl feathers. If she's only losing several per day, she'll be fine. It's only when they drop a pillowcase in a day and start developing bald spots that you'd need to worry at this age.

She's becoming a beautiful mature hen, I bet her new feathers will be even shinier and pretty!

 

[CarolynF]

Hi Pele,
Thanks for the ultra fast reply! That's great information, and a relief for me. She is a pretty bird and very friendly, too. I hadn't heard of a juvenile molt so that's one more thing I've learned here at BYC. This is such a great resource. Thanks again.

p.s. Very cool that both Dru and Carmelita are now laying. I like the colors, too.

 

[Barnmaradotte]

Hi! I figure since I've been lurking on this thread for a few days now it's only fair that I share. I have 2 SLW's that are 18 weeks today. Am I jumping the gun? I noticed Elizabeth Taylors waddles and comb are growing and turning red quickly. Zsa Zsa's are also, but not a fast. I will post a pic of Elizabeth Taylor later to see what you all think. Also on the radar at 17wks are my 2 BLRW, 2 Welsummers and 4 Barnevelders. I here the wesummers will be a little later and the barnies being last? Derek

 

[chickenlickin8]

My girls are 17 weeks today....I want my FIRST egg!

It looks like someone is exploring the nest boxes as I can see the hay has been disturbed. I'm suspecting my Silver Laced Wyandotte or one of my Production Reds...their combs are the largest and they are the most vocal. I can picture that first egg in the nest now.......sigh!

 

[Sassafras]

OK, How bad is this? I actually DREAMED last night that my pullets laid some eggs! They just turned 14 weeks and their combs and wattles look like they still have a way to go.

 

[Barnmaradotte]

as promised here is elizabeth taylor. is she red enough to lay? caught her eating oyster shell today.

 

[dkcrumly]

Oh my, Elizabeth Taylor is one gorgeous bird!!! What type is she?