Hen laid once

[Kgaff]

Hi All!

I have a flock of 7 hens and 1 rooster. They are all about 18 weeks old. I have one hen that started laying about a week and a half ago and lays regularly almost once a day. Last Saturday I received two eggs in the nesting box and one was significantly different (in color and shape) than my regular hen. I was excited and thought I now had two laying hens. I have yet to receive a second egg in the morning. I have searched through their coop and run to no avail. Is this normal for newly laying hens to go so long without a second egg?

 

[333113]

Six months/24 weeks is about average for pullets to start laying.

Congrats on your early starter! The rest may start later. However, there's no strong correlation between early-start and frequent layers, even within the same breed, so your best layers may not have shown themselves yet.

 

[BarredRockMom]

Hi All!

I have a flock of 7 hens and 1 rooster. They are all about 18 weeks old. I have one hen that started laying about a week and a half ago and lays regularly almost once a day. Last Saturday I received two eggs in the nesting box and one was significantly different (in color and shape) than my regular hen. I was excited and thought I now had two laying hens. I have yet to receive a second egg in the morning. I have searched through their coop and run to no avail. Is this normal for newly laying hens to go so long without a second egg?

It can be, sure. Their little bodies are just getting things sorted. Not to worry, there are lots of eggs in the future. You MAY even have some double yolkers come your way, you never know!

Until their bodies mature & get on board the egg-laying-train , just hang in there.

I always tell my girls that "even 1 egg is more than I can do so thanks!" My girls are well beyond the laying regularly phase, do when I DO get an egg, I'm thrilled, lol. Luckily for them, life at the Barred Rock Hotel requires neither regular egg laying or being an actual Barred Rock chicken in exchange for rent.

Enjoy the fresh eggs that are surely on their way .

(Love fresh eggs but wouldn't trade even one of my girls for 'em & don't want to expand my little flock again just now so I make due with the irregular SURPRISE eggs!)

 

[BarredRockMom]

Oh & congratulations on your flock & welcome to BYC!!

 

[333113]

It can be, sure. Their little bodies are just getting things sorted. Not to worry, there are lots of eggs in the future. You MAY even have some double yolkers come your way, you never know!

Until their bodies mature & get on board the egg-laying-train , just hang in there.

I always tell my girls that "even 1 egg is more than I can do so thanks!" My girls are well beyond the laying regularly phase, do when I DO get an egg, I'm thrilled, lol. Luckily for them, life at the Barred Rock Hotel requires neither regular egg laying or being an actual Barred Rock chicken in exchange for rent.

Enjoy the fresh eggs that are surely on their way .

(Love fresh eggs but wouldn't trade even one of my girls for 'em & don't want to expand my little flock again just now so I make due with the irregular SURPRISE eggs!)

Here's what I tell my hens when the nest is empty: "Not every day is an egg day."

 

[Kgaff]

Oh & congratulations on your flock & welcome to BYC!!

Thank you!! It’s really a super fun time!

 

[BarredRockMom]

Aww, see? Can't imagine life without my girls, eggs or no eggs. At least the Chicken TV is always on! Today's program featured a commentary from Stink Eye. She was part of an in-depth investigative piece yesterday on 'Messy Bums & Spa Treatments... Does It Really Help, Is The Spa Necessary or Are We Being Persecuted For Her Amusement?'

She didn't have to pay for her services & heaven knows she didn't tip but I'll still have to kiss her feathered (& now clean) behind to coax her over it, lol.

And of course, I get the stink eye & my husband gets heart eyes ("oh, he is SO nice to us! Did you SEE that head of lettuce he brought us, Maybelline? Well, I declare Mrs Butterworth, you're right... SHE gets the stink eye but him, well HE'S just as thoughtful as can be!...as he hangs the lettuce I bought, lol. Never fails .

 

[BarredRockMom]

You are in for some REALLY fun and wonderful interactions with your flock. They will never cease to delight & amaze you!

 

[Kgaff]

Six months/24 weeks is about average for pullets to start laying.

Congrats on your early starter! The rest may start later. However, there's no strong correlation between early-start and frequent layers, even within the same breed, so your best layers may not have shown themselves yet.

Thank you! I put some oyster shells in a separate bowl for the one(s) that are laying. And have an all flock chicken food. Hoping that makes them all happy!

 

[Kgaff]

Oh & congratulations on your flock & welcome to BYC!!

Thank you!! I’m a new chicken mama so trying to figure things out. I have an all flock mix of feed for them and a separate bowl with oyster shells. They free range in the yard in the evenings. Hope I am doing it right!