- Sep 7, 2010
- 8
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I've been lurking about the forum for a while but can't quite figure out answers to my questions. So, I thought I'd just ask.
I've 5 hens. They are a "mixed bag" so I'm not positive what breeds they are. They are coming up on 20 weeks of ages. They free-range in the back yard, and have a fenced off area which houses a coop and laying boxes. The backyard is pretty large (sorry I don't know the exact dimensions), there are some trees, some open grassy area, some bushes, pretty typical -- no poisonous ornamentals!
My goal with these hens are for them to be happy and healthy first, and egg layers second. In other words, I don't require heaps of eggs, what they give is enough.
My questions are:
I've been told by the co-op fella that my hens won't start laying eggs until around 36 weeks of age, but from reading around here, I get the impression that my hens may be about ready to lay!
(1) What is the average age when chickens begin laying?
At them moment, I have them on some feed (the chick feed actualy b/c the co-op fella said it was okay to keep them on that till the 50-lb bag is gone) and I supplement their diet with fresh veggies & fruits and the occasional well-loved wax-worm treat. I've read all sorts of different opinions in regards to hen diet.
(2) Must you feed hens layer pellets?
This isn't related to food or watering, but...
I've not had any trouble with them getting over the fence, but they are roosting in the lower limbs of the tree that hangs over their pen rather than their nice coop (cheeky hens). It hasn't been a problem.
(3) Is it recommended to clip their wings?
(4) Will they lay throughout autumn and winter without extra light?
Thanks in advance for the help! Cheers
I've 5 hens. They are a "mixed bag" so I'm not positive what breeds they are. They are coming up on 20 weeks of ages. They free-range in the back yard, and have a fenced off area which houses a coop and laying boxes. The backyard is pretty large (sorry I don't know the exact dimensions), there are some trees, some open grassy area, some bushes, pretty typical -- no poisonous ornamentals!
My goal with these hens are for them to be happy and healthy first, and egg layers second. In other words, I don't require heaps of eggs, what they give is enough.
My questions are:
I've been told by the co-op fella that my hens won't start laying eggs until around 36 weeks of age, but from reading around here, I get the impression that my hens may be about ready to lay!
(1) What is the average age when chickens begin laying?
At them moment, I have them on some feed (the chick feed actualy b/c the co-op fella said it was okay to keep them on that till the 50-lb bag is gone) and I supplement their diet with fresh veggies & fruits and the occasional well-loved wax-worm treat. I've read all sorts of different opinions in regards to hen diet.
(2) Must you feed hens layer pellets?
This isn't related to food or watering, but...
I've not had any trouble with them getting over the fence, but they are roosting in the lower limbs of the tree that hangs over their pen rather than their nice coop (cheeky hens). It hasn't been a problem.
(3) Is it recommended to clip their wings?
(4) Will they lay throughout autumn and winter without extra light?
Thanks in advance for the help! Cheers