Is my almost hen broody? When will the eggs hatch?

[Farmgirl283420]

Enola is either 8 or 9 weeks old! I’ll have to check! Does she still look like a girl? She is really cuddly! My other hens are too but since I didn’t raise her I wasn’t sure what to expect! But she is just so sweet!

 

[NatJ]

Enola is either 8 or 9 weeks old! I’ll have to check! Does she still look like a girl?

I think female, but I tend to be doubtful for a long time (because of the occasional males that keep everyone fooled for months and then make themselves known. They aren't very common, but not quite rare enough to ignore either.)

 

[Farmgirl283420]

I think female, but I tend to be doubtful for a long time (because of the occasional males that keep everyone fooled for months and then make themselves known. They aren't very common, but not quite rare enough to ignore either.)

Well at least she seems to be female!

 

[Farmgirl283420]

So for the chicken feed should I get starter or grower? Or should I just get layer?

 

[NatJ]

So for the chicken feed should I get starter or grower? Or should I just get layer?

The chick should not be eating layer feed. Layer feed has way too much calcium for chicks (about 3 times as much as they need, and that can cause problems.) Layer feed usually does not have enough protein for a growing chick, although some kinds do-- but the big issue is the calcium.

So you should get starter or grower. Either one is safe for the entire flock to eat. Just make sure they have a dish of oyster shell, so the ones that are laying can get the extra calcium to produce eggshells. Chickens are usually pretty good at eating the right amount of calcium, so don't worry if chicks or roosters sample it too: they typically won't eat enough to cause any trouble for themselves.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

The chick should not be eating layer feed. Layer feed has way too much calcium for chicks (about 3 times as much as they need, and that can cause problems.) Layer feed usually does not have enough protein for a growing chick, although some kinds do-- but the big issue is the calcium.

So you should get starter or grower. Either one is safe for the entire flock to eat. Just make sure they have a dish of oyster shell, so the ones that are laying can get the extra calcium to produce eggshells. Chickens are usually pretty good at eating the right amount of calcium, so don't worry if chicks or roosters sample it too: they typically won't eat enough to cause any trouble for themselves.

Ok thank you!

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Here is the food I got I’m a little worried the chickens will eat too much!

 

[fluffycrow]

Chickens are good about self-regulating

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Chickens are good about self-regulating

A year ago I got similar food and the chickens crops were really really big! I was a little bit worried but after that first day they were fine!

 

[NatJ]

A year ago I got similar food and the chickens crops were really really big! I was a little bit worried but after that first day they were fine!

They might do the same thing this year. Like last year, they will probably be fine.