Keeping track of egg layers

[TeenageFlockers]

I purchased 3 Isa Browns and 3 buff orps and they are now 5 months old. We know for sure two Isa's have been laying for 2 weeks, but having trouble figuring who's the sneaky third layer. And why are they not all laying same time? Does anyone tag their identical breeds? Like at the zoo they have little ankle cuffs- Or is the trail camera the best option?

 

[CluckerFamily]

I would do the trail camera. Some people do the ankle bracelets for identification, make sure to keep check on the bracelets so they aren't too tight, most don't expand as the chicken grows.
My ladies lay on different days and at different times of the day.

 

[Callender Girl]

I think chickens are like people in that some girls mature faster than others, even in the same family.

Although I have several (okay, probably more than several) breeds, I can tell all mine apart -- even the three nearly identical mahogany-colored Buckeyes are slightly different. I would NOT trust the leg "bracelets" unless you are planning to be super-vigilant.

I acquired the cutest little Barred Cochin Bantam who, suddenly began limping. It appears she had been banded by a previous owner. Because of the thick feathering on her legs -- and Sally had such long, thick feathers it looked like she was wearing clown shoes -- I didn't realize there was something around her leg until the vet found it and cut it off.

For a while, it looked like Sally would lose that leg. She didn't. It still has blood flow, she hops around at top speed but that leg has absolutely no feathers on it. Still, I feel lucky that she's alive and has two legs. I'd go for the trail cam, if you can afford it.

Also, while my ducks very nicely all lay in the morning, my chickens don't respect any kind of schedule, even their own.

BTW, congratulations that your girls are laying! It's a great feeling, isn't it?

 

[aart]

Stalking and catching them in the act might be easier and more effective than scrolling thru hours of cam footage.
Either way, leg banding can be very helpful in tracking, but it does take care and monitoring.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/

With newly laying pullets, regular butt checks can teach you a lot.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[TeenageFlockers]

I think chickens are like people in that some girls mature faster than others, even in the same family.

Although I have several (okay, probably more than several) breeds, I can tell all mine apart -- even the three nearly identical mahogany-colored Buckeyes are slightly different. I would NOT trust the leg "bracelets" unless you are planning to be super-vigilant.

I acquired the cutest little Barred Cochin Bantam who, suddenly began limping. It appears she had been banded by a previous owner. Because of the thick feathering on her legs -- and Sally had such long, thick feathers it looked like she was wearing clown shoes -- I didn't realize there was something around her leg until the vet found it and cut it off.

For a while, it looked like Sally would lose that leg. She didn't. It still has blood flow, she hops around at top speed but that leg has absolutely no feathers on it. Still, I feel lucky that she's alive and has two legs. I'd go for the trail cam, if you can afford it.

Also, while my ducks very nicely all lay in the morning, my chickens don't respect any kind of schedule, even their own.

BTW, congratulations that your girls are laying! It's a great feeling, isn't it?

Good insight- I will stick to trail cams and going to do a few outside nesting boxes like a Pinterest I saw. Yes we are grateful for the golden eggs as my husband calls them. thanks!