Is she getting close to laying??

[lexielou623]

My two Delewares are 16 weeks now and they both look like this. This is my first flock and they are the only ones turning red. And now they are digging holes in the dirt and laying there for hours but nothing is underneath them when they get up. I'm getting anxious and sick of buying eggs!!

 

[beetandsteet]

My two Delewares are 16 weeks now and they both look like this. This is my first flock and they are the only ones turning red. And now they are digging holes in the dirt and laying there for hours but nothing is underneath them when they get up. I'm getting anxious and sick of buying eggs!!

You should be within a few weeks of having fresh eggs! Most hens start to lay between 18 and 22 weeks--but since this hen's face is getting red, I'd say she should lay soon. Make sure your girls have nests to lay in and are being fed a layer diet; some people like to supplement with oyster shell.

 

[lexielou623]

You should be within a few weeks of having fresh eggs! Most hens start to lay between 18 and 22 weeks--but since this hen's face is getting red, I'd say she should lay soon.  Make sure your girls have nests to lay in and are being fed a layer diet; some people like to supplement with oyster shell. 

Thank you!! They have nesting boxes but are still digging in the dirt. I think I'll start with oyster shells since the others are 1-3 weeks younger and I don't want to start layer feed too early. They free range the yard all day and go into their coop just before dusk. They are such smart birds!!

 

[beetandsteet]

Chickens of all ages LOVE to dig in the dirt. And free range is a chickens dream! Yes, starting layer too early can stunt their growth (happened to me once-back when I had no idea what I was doing

)

 

[lexielou623]

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Chickens of all ages LOVE to dig in the dirt. And free range is a chickens dream! Yes, starting layer too early can stunt their growth (happened to me once-back when I had no idea what I was doing  ) 

I know they loved digging but this hole looked like a dog dug it!! I was shocked. And she now proudly sits in it every day. She is my husbands favorite bird. I love them all and my favorite seems to change quite often by who's the funniest that day. Haha