First Eggs!!! Yippee!!! Couple questions...

[Eggcellent8]

We got our first eggs today!

I am a very proud chicken mama right now.

Quick question, how can I tell who laid the eggs? Also, they were laid on the floor of the coop, just under the nesting boxes. Is there anything I can do to encourage the girls to lay them in the nesting boxes?

And now presenting the VERY expensive eggs....

I am giddy with excitement.

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Congratulations!
There are nests called "Trap Nests" where the hens can go in but can't get out. They can be expensive, so you could stick to watching the change in egg color.

I had 2 Buff Orpingtons, and I didn't know who was laying, until both starting laying different colored eggs. 1 light and one darker colored egg.

Well good luck!

 

[jallny]

Most people put things in the nestboxes that look like eggs. Golf balls, actual eggs, etc. That will encourage them to lay in the nestboxes.

 

[Eggcellent8]

Thanks for the replies! I put some golf balls in their boxes...hopefully that will encourage them in the right direction. Also, I've noticed that some of my hens combs will get pale in the morning, and then redden up in the afternoon. Is this something that just happens as they are maturing into laying? Or should I be concerned?

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

That usually means they're working on and egg. They'll sit down, look pale, and probably not eat, then lay about 1-2 hours later. But if the poops look foamy, it's probably worms.

 

[LittleOldLady]

I found my first egg today. It is small and light brown. It was in the nesting box and the hen had removed the wooden egg from the box and buried her egg in the shavings. How long can the egg be there uncollected before it is not good to eat. These are my first t chickens and my very first egg. I have 4 black Australorps, One Maran, and two Americaunas.

 

[LittleOldLady]

Congratulations, very exciting!!!!

 

[tweetysvoice]

How long can the egg be there uncollected before it is not good to eat. These are my first t chickens and my very first egg. I have 4 black Australorps, One Maran, and two Americaunas.

Chicken eggs are good for over a month just sitting on the counter, so I wouldn't fret about it sitting out there a couple days! Here's a great article about how long eggs last:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/1977-11-01/Fresh-Eggs.aspx

 

[UrbanEnthusiast]

Chicken eggs are good for over a month just sitting on the counter, so I wouldn't fret about it sitting out there a couple days! Here's a great article about how long eggs last:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/1977-11-01/Fresh-Eggs.aspx

Interesting article! I've been wondering about a way to store my small flock's eggs through the winter without taking up precious fridge space (I've considered getting a small fridge just for eggs, but can't really bear the expense, both upfront and ongoing). Too bad the only fresh eggs tested in the experiment were fertile, and it was implied that it makes a difference. Roosters are illegal in my city, so all my hens' eggs are infertile.

 

[LittleOldLady]

Thanks so much for your response. I used my little egg today in a muffin mix. My chickens have a large grassy area to browse and the yolk was a very dark orange!!
Congratulations on your menagerie. I'm impressed. I have six dogs including four rescues and one very large 4 month old mastiff puppy. Also 4 children and 8 grandchildren not to mention the seven hens!!