I need to be patient, but ... UPDATED: 3 (!!!!) Eggs on the First Day!

[ChestnutRidge]

I have 5 pullets which are 22 weeks old today. They were hatched for Mahonri's Easter Hatch this spring. Three are Easter Eggers, which I think I've read are notoriously late to start laying, but I thought I might have an egg by now from my Speckled Sussex or Welsummer.

Also, I figured I'd begin offering oyster shell or some other calcium supplement once I saw the first egg (which I expect to be soft). Is that correct, or should I offer calcium in anticipation of point-of-lay? I am really enjoying my chickens, but every time I buy eggs I wonder when I will be able to stop.

 

[CapricornFarm]

After 20 weeks, I give them layer pellets. ;-)

 

[nincomcoop]

Quote:
Should be any day now! My SS and EEs started around that time. The anticipation is grueling tho.

 

[Happy Chooks]

You are really close. My welsummers don't start laying until 24 weeks. I still have one holding out on me at 28 weeks (along with 2 barnevelders).

 

[CarolJ]

I was at the same place you are a couple months ago. The first of my 7 hens to lay (an Ancona) laid her first egg at 22 weeks/6 days - and the last (an EE) laid her first egg at 26 weeks/4 days. Now, on many days I get an egg from all 7 - and it is unusual to get less than 5 per day. So it'll happen, but the waiting sure is hard!

 

[ChestnutRidge]

Thanks for the encouragement. Maybe in the next few weeks...

So, you think I should go ahead with the calcium?

 

[ChestnutRidge]

Here were some of the ladies today. I think their combs are red enough to be ready...

Maybe not Henny...

 

[so lucky]

Your first pic looks just like one of my EEs, only mine has a little more black on her head. It makes her look evil, but she's a sweetie. Are your girls squatting yet? Have they gotten friendlier? I still have an EE who hasn't started laying yet. She is over 22 weeks, but a runt.

 

[farmerChef]

do you freerange all day? They might have a hidden nest somewhere. Those EE combs do look very red.

 

[southerndesert]

They sure look close and I'd expect one any day as well, like the Healer we have one also....