Initial months eggs frequency?

tariqjawed83

In the Brooder
7 Years
Jun 5, 2012
52
0
39
Frisco, Texas
I have one RIR she started laying within a month or so, I am gradually seeing little bigger eggs now. But wondering why she is not consistent, rightnow laying every two days after or more.

Is it normal for new layers?
 
Different breeds and different stains within breeds have different laying schedules. Generally unless you are aiming for very high egg production, such as a hen that will lay nearly daily......it is considered good if a hen lays every-other-day.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

If you look at henderson's chicken chart (Link above) you will see that they proclaim the RIR an above average layer...and you could expect as many as 6 eggs per week. If you don't get to 5-6 per week....you may want to verify that they have all the feed and especially fresh water than they need to produce to their potential.
 
thanks for information, 5-6 per week I was also expecting, will see the diet also...

The main question I guess, do they reach the full potential as soon as they start laying or it takes couple of months?
 
thanks for information, 5-6 per week I was also expecting, will see the diet also...
The main question I guess, do they reach the full potential as soon as they start laying or it takes couple of months?
Laying eggs is a cycle for chickens. When a pullet starts laying, she will need time for her body to adjust to the change before she reaches her true potential for egg laying. That's why pullets that have just started laying usually have a higher percentage of 'fart eggs' and double yolkers than more experienced hens. She'll get more regular in a couple months. A hen is at her highest laying potential at around one year of age.
 
Here's how it worked for me:

My white Leghorn hybrid (Ideal 236) and my Easter Egger both hit the deck running when they started...and laid pretty much at their normal rate--which is 6+ eggs per week.

My Barred Plymouth Rocks took a little while to 'get up to speed'. But only about 2-weeks to hit thier normal stride (for them). Size was a different story it took about 2-4 weeks to get to their own normal size.

My newest layer is a cream legbar. Her cycle should be an egg every-other-day.....Thus far she has exceeded that---but she just started laying on Friday.

Feed is really important to egg laying. Quality layer's feed with all the nutrients and calcium plus about 16% protein is a good target. Free choice feed....and lots of water. I see that you are in Texas too---- sometimes the heat alone will diminish the chickens natural abilities. Make sure they have as cool an environment as you can provide them. (I'm laughing at my own typing--I have a thermometer in the coop area and it is consistantly 100-degrees. My most favorite chooks are the ones that pant the most. -- I installed a misting system from TSC it was about 24.99. Texas sun and heat can be brutal on chickens. It is like wearing a down jacket outdoors in the summer. ;O(
 

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