Hello from Ontario, Canada

[michpetea]

Hello.

Just wanted to introduce myself and our peeps. Just started with a small batch a month ago. We've been talking for years, and finally decided this summer we'd start. My initial flock (we lost one) was 3 RIR and 2 Ameracauna or EE'ers (not sure yet). The first week a momma Fisher stole my biggest pullet. We now have 1 less RIR. The RIR girls were about 22 weeks when we got them. They are both laying an egg/daily now. My Ameracauna or EE'ers haven't laid yet and they were hatched last Nov. I was told they go broody for a month or so in the summer, however I'm not sure what to think. Look forward to learning lots and meeting many.

Cheers,

Michelle

 

[rebecky1305]

Hello and

! Glad you could join us.

 

[Backyard Hencam]

from California. Sounds like a good start. Sorry you lost your RIR. I can't let my hens free range because of predators. Wish you the best!

 

[chick4chicks]

and

, Congrats on getting chickens, they are a hoot. Sorry you lost a RIR. Best of luck on this exciting adventure. You will love this site, a lot of great info. on here.

 

[Dar]

where are you?... there are a lot of people from Ontario

 

[michpetea]

Thanks for the warm welcomes.... So far I am loving it. Something I've been wanting to do for years. I grew up with farm friends and had always been jealous. We're in an area where home chickens are not usually allowed. Since our property was a market garden farm 100 years ago, we got grandfathered in. No roos allowed however.

For the fellow Ontarians, I'm just north of Barrie in a small town "Coldwater". Hoping this adventure is always going to be this fun.

I love how the girls start clucking as soon as they see me weeding the garden (also where I let them free range on nice days with supervision) A huge handful of weeds in their coop and they are happy girls. I'm feeding them a layer crumble with the greens as well as giving them cracked corn/crushed egg shells every couple days.

We've had no problems with the remaining RIR's and their beautiful eggs. Still waiting for my EEers/Ameracaunas to lay. They are old enough, just can't them to stop being broody. Love any hints you may have.

Cheers.
Michelle and my peeps

 

[michickenwrangler]

from across Lake Huron

Doing some family research, found out that I'm Scotch-Canadian, great-great grandpa's from Bruce County Ontario, went across Lake Huron during the lumber boom in the 1870s.

Hens usually molt in the summer and that can stop egg laying. Maybe that's what they meant to tell you?

 

[RAWR]

from SW Indiana