I have a question about my flock

[ArihTheMagical]

I have about ten birds in my flock, three ISA Browns - about week old right now I think
a Rhode island read and a buff orphington, who are both close to two weeks, 2 barred rocks, 2 black austrolorps, and Carl the turkey. all two weeks old. I was wondering when they would start laying eggs and I've done some of the research but most the sites I went to told me different times and others did not have all the birds I own, I was also wondering when I should put them in the outside coop as they are all still in their brooding box, they are my first chickens so I tend to overthink things and worry too much as my uncle says but what does he know, he's never kept them either.

 

[lazy gardener]

There is no standard answer. A lot depends on the breed, and then there are other variables including: their nutrition and their age in relation to the summer/winter solstice, or whether you give them supplemental light. Plan on most birds coming into lay around 16 - 26 weeks of age. One of my EE did not start laying until she was 10 months old!

 

[orrpeople]

16 weeks is rare, in my experience. 18 seems to be the earliest - but like lazy gardener said, they will lay when they're good and ready. watch for signs like bright red combs and wattles and squatting when you reach down to touch them.

 

[dunnmom]

I would estimate, considering your breeds, that you would see your first egg between 18 and 22 weeks. Hatchery birds may lay sooner than breeder birds, but who knows? It's all in the hormones. If you start feeling impatient, you could feed them certain foods that support those hormones, but it may not make a difference.

 

[ArihTheMagical]

I would estimate, considering your breeds, that you would see your first egg between 18 and 22 weeks. Hatchery birds may lay sooner than breeder birds, but who knows? It's all in the hormones. If you start feeling impatient, you could feed them certain foods that support those hormones, but it may not make a difference.

certain foods? what would those foods be? they really don't eat much other then their chick starter right now, they don't seem interested

 

[dunnmom]

certain foods? what would those foods be? they really don't eat much other then their chick starter right now, they don't seem interested

Some lawn and garden weeds contain estrogenic compounds. Let me see if I can come up with a list of foods for you. Might take me until tomorrow, but I'll likely do it for you late tonight if you're interested.

 

[ArihTheMagical]

Some lawn and garden weeds contain estrogenic compounds. Let me see if I can come up with a list of foods for you. Might take me until tomorrow, but I'll likely do it for you late tonight if you're interested.

that would be great, and take your time. I don't want to be too much, afterall it's only my second day on here

 

[dunnmom]

that would be great, and take your time. I don't want to be too much, afterall it's only my second day on here

It's my pleasure. Holistics are always of interest to me.

 

[ArihTheMagical]

It's my pleasure. Holistics are always of interest to me.

thanks! it means a lot to me that your so willing to help! this site has so many great people

 

[dunnmom]

Ok, so this list isn't exhaustive, but it's a start. All treats should be given in moderation. Your chickens may not like everything on the list. If you offer it, try to give chopped into bite sized pieces at first. Some treats can look intimidating to smaller chicks if they are too big, or end up getting stuck in the crop. Especially watch out for long blades of grass, which can impact a crop.

Greens and weeds:
Pretty much any and all leafy things. However, a few garden weeds are toxic, like hemlock. Some, if eaten too much or too often can cause certain vitamins to not be absorbed, such as spinach, kale, and arugula, and can cause a drop in production. I've seen this happen with my own girls, so I only offer those occasionally now. Dandelions, chickweed, henbit, deadnettle, clover, plantain, bedstraw, alfalfa are usually well accepted by chickens.

Proteins:
Most chickens go nuts for mealworms, garden grubs, earthworms, caterpillars, cooked eggs, beetles. June bugs are a favorite of my hens, it's like popcorn to them. Oh, and cooked eggs, of course. Some folks say to give yogurt or canned fish, but some people think dairy is a no-no for chickens.

Sprouted seeds:
You can sprout seeds for your chickens in mason jars. They may or may not like them. Healthy sprout choices would be alfalfa, flax, black oil sunflower seeds, or you can buy packages of mixed salad sprouting seed. Bean sprouts are good, but too many may not be good for your girls, because bean plants contain a compound that can cause vitamin deficiency. You could also try fermenting scratch-grains.

Peas and beans:
Any beans you give should be cooked, but peas can be eaten raw. Dried beans and peas are usually not recommended. Lentils can be eaten dry, though, because they are so small. Good source of protein and vitamins. Soybeans are high in estrogenic compounds, but they can also cause an iron-deficiency, so you might want to avoid those.

Other: Cooked sweet potatoes and squashes. Also melons are good treats. Don't bother removing the seeds and guts, chickens will happily eat all of that. Black oil sunflower seeds, either hulled or unhulled have healthy fats and proteins. If you free range your chickens daily, they will get plenty of greens, grubs, and bugs.