First time layers and wintertime

[SemiSweet2391]

Thanks everyone! I’ll update when we get that first egg

 

[Rebechenson75]

I have 2LB, 1 BCM, 5 GLWs they turned 19 weeks today. Some are getting close but none have played yet.

 

[Dogs Cows Chicken]

Some chickens like snow. Mine do not. I shovel a place for them to "free range," and put some hay down for them to walk on.

I have taken a sheet of plywood to lay on the ground for a little dog when it snowed. I would lift the sheet to stand on the long edge (leaned against something) when I took her out. When she finished, I would scoop poop and return the lumber to lay flat. A piece of rope attached to the long side and anchored to something elevated makes the board easy to find and to lift.

It might work for chickens.

 

[Dogs Cows Chicken]

You can be on the look out for other clues.. getting chattier often being one of them.

I have three at point of lay: Silver Laced Wyandotte, once very quiet, now chatters constantly. Colombian Wyandotte is spending a LOT of time in the nesting boxes. Barred Plymouth Rock suddenly wants to roost with top hen/lowkey bully even though she gets pecked on... Then she wants to peck me when I sit in the chicken yard.

All three squat to "receive" if anyone approaches from a certain angle. One of them squats for me even when I'm several feet away... She really loves me. LOL.

These are all new behaviors as of about 5-7 days ago. Sixteen to 20 weeks is their "expected" maturity range; they are 19 weeks.

I anticipate eggs.

 

[Queen of Chaos Ranch]

I have some 19 week old pullets! I have 3 RIR, 3 EE and 1 White Polish. We are getting about 10 hours of daylight. Are any of these breeds likely to start laying in winter time? Looking forward to my first thousand dollar egg!!

My girls were 5/1 hatch(EE, Barred Rock and Reds) and they had all started laying pretty well. I have 24 and I was averaging around 20 eggs a day. With the shorter days I am seeing closer to 14 even with a light in the coop.
I’m taking what I can get now, knowing I’ll be up to my armpits in eggs this spring!
Also, just a note, they started laying at different times- I think you will still see some winter eggs!

 

[Etiene]

I have read on the internet somewhere to have Red led light in the coop for extended light time. It’s thanksgiving 2024. Of 26 hens 3 years old to 23 months old in three coops, I got 14 eggs today. Ace hardware has a 5 watt red led bulb that looks like a flood light bulb but made of plastic. So no danger from broken glass. When molting was over I put one in main coop. They extend daytime light to 14 hours. Also read on here about cayenne pepper to deter rodents/rats. Both lights and pepper have worked wonders

 

[Rebechenson75]

My girls are all 20 weeks. No eggs yet. Lil freeloaders. Lol

 

[PopoMyers]

Thanks everyone! I’ll update when we get that first egg

Also watch for comb color. They begin turning a vivid red when laying is imminent. The squating posture as well.

 

[PopoMyers]

My girls are all 20 weeks. No eggs yet. Lil freeloaders. Lol

I had a Welsummer that began laying at 28 weeks. Breed usually determines the time frame.

 

[PopoMyers]

I. Not sure if this is where I should ask...

We are expecting snow. This is the first time with birds. Is there anything I should do for them?

It's temperature that matters more. Snow can be fun, or lava to them. Do they have a sheltered area or run? Mine take the latter stance. Make sure their water doesn't freeze. Browse for articles about winter care. Keep an eye on your forecasts.