Hi All

[New chic mama]

hi. I am new to the group and new chicken owner. I need help and advice please. I started with 7 chickens. They were about 1 to 2 weeks old. That was a couple months ago. I haven't seen any eggs yet. How do I tell if male or female. Rooster or hen?!? Do I need to separate them? Unfortunately we lost one and I have no clue how but he or she was fine 2 days ago and tonight it's dead with 1 eye pecked out it looked like. These are my 4 year Olds fave "pet" more than the dog and cats and turtle! When will I potentially see any eggs? Are they immediately eat ready? I have everything to learn! I should probably do more online research as well. Any tips tricks advice would be appreciated!

 

[fluffycrow]

Glad to have you! How old are your birds now? If you'd like to sex them, post a photo of each bird in the "what breed and gender" section of the forum

 

[EEforMe]

Welcome!! I’d say that I start seeing eggs on average around six ish months and they are ready to eat right away. I’m so sorry that you lost one so soon! Did it have any other signs of injury?

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you here in this Poultry Lovers Community.

 

[PopoMyers]

 

[Nomadicus]

The eye could have been pecked after it had died. Unfortunately losing a chick now and then is like losing people. Some of us just didn't make it for what ever reason. When we walk thru old cemeteries there are a lot of those infant graves. I hate losing small chicks but I have come to accept it like it or not. I wish I had a better answer. I Lost one about that age yesterday too.

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

Hi there, and welcome! You are in the right place with your questions, there are so many resources here.

You won’t see eggs for several months. It really varies with breed/individual. They can tend to die for “no reason”. If it continues to happen, you can think about necropsy.

I hope everything works out well for you - good luck!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!!

If you have silkies you won't see eggs until they're around 10 months old. I believe most other breeds start laying between 4-6 months, depending.

You may never have to separate them, at least not until they grow up.

There are a lot of good articles in the Learning Center.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[swampfox440]

Welcome to BYC! pleased to meet you, thanks for joining us