Hello!

[Mjfchickens05]

Hi new to raising chickens. I started off small I have 5 golden comets and I got them when they was about 10 weeks old. I have had a hard time with them tho I dont know if it's me over reacting about every little thing they do, but they person we bought them off of said they where laying eggs well I have had them about a month now, and they never lay eggs regularly some days they lay none not sure if that is normal. So that is why I joined this group. I am hoping one day to have tons of chickens just want to get the hang of it before I go any deeper lol but i love them already.

 

[ldawntaylor]

Hi,

Do your birds have oyster shell or some form of calcium available? And what are you feeding them? Diet can have a big impact on egg laying.

Maybe someone else will have some ideas.

 

[Mjfchickens05]

Yes I did hear about the oyster shells working because the first eggs i did end up getting were very thin shells most of them were cracked before i even got them out of the coop. So i tried to give them oyster shells i put it in a dish and just left it in their run but they dont seem to interested in it. I also feed them later pellets and I give them scratch corn as a treat in the evenings. I also am learning they so far like watermelon and tomatoes so far. I also have one chicken that does not seem herself lately seems very tired all the time. I just hope raiding them gets easier, seems like worrying about my kids lol

 

[ldawntaylor]

I assume they are getting enough water. I have a neighbor that swears by adding cayenne pepper flakes to the food. I suspect the reason that works is because it gets the birds to drink more water.

I know in my goats stress can cause a parasite bloom. And that increase in parasites can cut down on production. I'm sure the same thing can happen with chickens.

You might ask your question on the egg laying and behaviors forum. The ones who frequent that should know more.

 

[Mjfchickens05]

Thank you I will try that!

 

[ldawntaylor]

You're welcome.

I just wish I could have been more helpful.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us.

I have never heard of a 10 week old pullets laying eggs maybe you can post pics. The vendor was far from honest with you.

Most pullets lay sporadically when they first begin to lay and it's nothing to be concerned about. You may have some not laying yet to add to the equation.

I'd suggest not feeding anything other than proprietary feed, i.e. no scratch, tomatoes etc and being patient.

I'd post your pics and question here - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying.18/

Best wishes
Pork Pie

 

[Mjfchickens05]

Thanks for your feedback. I also thought of that maybe I have chickens that are just starting to lay. I just hope I get the hang of it. I want tons more. Lol

 

[Yowza Wowza]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad to have you
I hope you enjoy your time on BYC.

 

[Lazy Farmer]