golden comets

[4 the Birds]

When we got them we were told they were 7mths. And they were laying already. Can it be that the coop is to small where they were in with cows in a barn? I have lost another and now only have 2 left!! I don't understand everyone i have talked to seems to think I am doing what I need. I give them grit in the coop because their pen right now is just a temp!! How big does a coop have to be for say 8 chickens? I want to get some more because it is enjoyable
The coop I have right now is a 4ft by 7ft 8ft high. Also I was told not to let them out when it rains, snows because they can catch cold and get sick? How true is this?
Thank You for your time
Barbara

Does your coop have good ventilation? Your coop size should be fine (may be better sized for only 5 or 6) if it is designed well with good air circulation, bedding, roost bars, etc... Ideally a large predator proof covered and attached run works well so that they can go outside or inside. I add standard layer pellet feed to their feeders daily. You can add a handful of oyster shells (can be found at Tractor Supply) to the feed every now and then. Your new layers may lay oversized eggs to start out and even double yoke eggs. My chickens often like to go out into the rain and scratch for worms. Hope this helps!

 

[one old chick]

Over the internet, we can only suggest some things. We aren't there, where you are. We cannot see them or judge their condition.

You said they were given to you. Are we to assume as adults, already in lay?

The Golden Comet is just a name. This isn't a breed. Most of these hybrids are reddish gold in color with white patches and many have white tail feathers. These are very often commercial birds that are sold through retail hatchery outlets and feed stores. Since they were given to you, you may not know which hatchery they were originated. It isn't important to know, really, but what is important to know is that these are often super layers. They lay when very young, they lay heavily and they lay large eggs. This is the result of the genetics behind such birds.

The second year, when they are two years old, their eggs often get even larger. Yes, I've seen blood streaks on hens laying super large eggs.

What I'm going to say is this. No matter what you do, there is often this problem with second year Golden Comet type, red-sex-link commercial hybrid hens. They are laying machines, but they have a history of burning out early. I'm sorry to say. They were bred mainly to be "replaced" every two years, on the outside. Will every single Golden Comet type bird burn out? No. Will every single one of them develop ovarian issues? No. But the reality is that many, many of them will.

I'm just trying to be very honest here. I hope you can appreciate the straight forward nature of my reply.

I have six Golden Comets, when you say burn out do you mean they will die? Is the same true for black sex link? i really don't care if they can lay eggs after two, but do they live beyond two? also, i don't plan to feed them any type of egg layer feed. i was intending to let them free range and supliment with regular scratch and calcium on the side. i don't intent to use any type of artificial ight in the winter either. do you think this will keep them from burning so young, thank you