So, my mom told me today that she was talking with a lady that owns 12 RIRs and mentioned to this lady that my chickens aren't laying yet at almost 22 weeks of age. The lady told my mom, who in turn told me, that the reason my chickens probably aren't laying is because they are putting their energy into getting fat for the winter instead of laying like they should be. She implied that I am not feeding my chickens properly and in doing this I am causing them to not lay eggs. First off, my pullets are EEs and I have heard that EEs usually don't start laying until later...like 28 weeks or more, right? Second, I thought that the decrease in daylight hours is what affects the laying, not them building up fat for winter. Right?? Does this lady even know what she is talking about, because I haven't read anything like that on here...and believe me, I have read a LOT on here trying to learn as much as I can about chickens. My mom told me that she thinks I can get some good pointers for raising chickens from this lady. I'm thinking I could possibly teach her a thing or two. LOL (Sorry, I just had to say it.) I guess this lady also told my mom that you can only get RIRs from two places...either a feed store or a breeder. She got hers from the feed store and says they are purebreds. Not dissing on hatchery chicks at all here since that is where my EEs are from...I'm just saying that I don't think this lady knows what she is talking about. I have been feeding my girls layer crumbles for a few weeks now and I let them free range for about an hour or two in my backyard almost every day. I also feed them some scratch every few days (about 1 1/2 cups a couple of times a week) and I do feed them dried mealworms, oatmeal, and a few veggies every now and then, but not a whole lot and not every day. This lady said that I should be giving them a layer mash and some other stuff...I don't remember what all she suggested. I guess what I am getting at here is, am I wrong to dismiss her claims of my feeding habits causing my EEs to not lay or is she actually on to something that I don't know about?
Well, since most feed stores get their chicks from hatcheries, that would pretty much rule out the "only two places" idea for her particular "brand" of RIR! She's probably referencing the fact that most hatchery RIRs are not pure, but since hers are most likely hatchery birds, she's not making the case for her knowledge base being very broad or reliable. As for the chickens "fattening up," that's an ill considered and, frankly, rude jab unless she knows how much you're feeding and free ranging! Your birds are young yet, and given the shorter daylight hours (you're absolutely right about that) and their breed (another point that argues you know as much or more than this woman), it's really not a mystery that they aren't laying yet ... they just aren't ready! The good thing about that is that 1st year pullets will usually lay through the winter, so you should have lots of yummy, pretty fresh eggs to show off to her very soon! Unless your birds are thin, or feather picking, or offering some other sign of malnourishment, I wouldn't let what some busybody said get under your skin. Just enjoy your birds and think of it this way ... they are waiting for the holidays to gift you with their first eggs for being such a great chicken parent!
Stay clear of that lady! LOL BTW-I have 3 Easter Eggers and they all layed later than the others. My Red Star Sex-links hens were 1st at 20 weeks and all the others were a week or more after that. And yes, I think the shorter days do affect them as well, as the 3 EE and a couple of others have slowed down considerably in the last couple of weeks. You sound like you are feeding your girls properly and then some so you will get eggs when the girls are ready to lay them! Good luck!
Quote:x2 - Seems like someone who is more worried about someone elses buisness but then again she may be just trying to help. I think you have done the right thing in coming here and finding the truth for yourself. Like spirit said, they are just holding off so they can give you a nice Christmas gift.
Well that lady sounds a bit silly in her advise; maybe you should tell her to check out BYC. There will always be well meaning folks that give the wrong information cus that is what they think is the right way. Look at all the different wives tales that alot of folks still go by that are not always in the critters best interest. I read a few posts on these wives tales that cracked me up. Sure your mom was being well meaning; however, I would not count on the lady with the RIRs as knowledgable enough to offer usable advise.
Bloom, you are well ahead of that 'authority' on all points. Give both her and your Mom the BYC address so that they can become better informed.
One of my EE's is 7 and a half months old and not laying yet. (About 30 weeks) I just know she is going to lay the most beautiful blue egg when she finally does lay!
Oh, and as an official "old person" I can say this: Lots of experienced people don't really bother to learn what they can do to become more knowledgeable about things. They think just because their way has not resulted in total disaster, it must be the only way to do it. Bad habits get passed along forever that way.
Quote:Don't always believe what others tell you. EE's are slow maturing birds, I have had an ee hen take until darn near 40 weeks to lay her first egg. I would take them off the layer feed until they start laying. For now they would be just fine on flock raiser with scratch grains as a treat, also offer them grit free choice and they will be just fine. Brahmas are another slow maturing breed that take forever to get that first egg out. RIR's are EVERYWHERE, one of the most common large fowl birds. You would be correct in assuming this lady is pretty clueless. Hope that helps
