Got a question

[sarahbear9]

Hello I hav some questions that maybe someone could help us with ok well we got our chickens in the 2 week of March they were a week old or so it is now July almost so when will they lay eggs we have 2 white leg horns and 6 road island reds and 4 black austrolops also should we use straw or shaving in coop ? How can we encourage them to start laying ? Thank you in advance

 

[MrsBachbach]

Hello I hav some questions that maybe someone could help us with ok well we got our chickens in the 2 week of March they were a week old or so it is now July almost so when will they lay eggs we have 2 white leg horns and 6 road island reds and 4 black austrolops also should we use straw or shaving in coop ? How can we encourage them to start laying ? Thank you in advance

I'm not familiar with those breeds but some breeds start laying as early as sixteen to eighteen weeks. Others can start as late as seven to eight months. They will lay when they are developed enough to start laying. Don't encourage them before they are internally ready. I have read feeding layer feed too early can be harmful, so I would hold off on that at least another month. When you see some checking out the nest boxes then you might put out the layer feed. Plastic or ceramic eggs or even golf balls put in the nest will give them a hint of where to go. Especially if you don't have a rooster. Roosters love to help a girl with her first egg, make a nest for them, cluck to them, etc., etc. Heck, not only with their first egg, but with every egg I have noticed. They will even get in the nest box with them.

Straw or shaving? Either one would work. I think the hens might prefer straw in the nest box. Shavings are good for the floor as they absorb the moisture from the poop much better.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Hi there and welcome!!!

The bedding choice is entirely up to you. Shavings are easy to clean, inexpensive and comfortable. However, they get everywhere and can be dusty. Straw will keep them warm which is good in winter but bad in summer. It's also generally inexpensive and not dusty. However, it's harder to clean and is heavy. So, that decision is up to you.

Those breeds should start laying around 4-6 months old.

Some of the best ways to encourage egg laying include: having the nests in place at or before week 16, putting fake eggs or even golf balls in the nest and making sure the nests are comfy, cozy and somewhat dark.

Best wishes and feel free to ask any other questions!

 

[sarahbear9]

Thank you everyone gUess what we got our first egg trying to post a pic

 

[sarahbear9]