More than ready for eggs!!

[chickenboy190]

We just got them, they are supposed to be 19 weeks. Not sure about the combs, will go have a look.

Just wondering what breeds are they? Also when you move a chicken it will put stress on them and will not lay? Or did you buy them as chicks?

 

[chickenboy190]

This may or may not have anything to do with it, but I noticed from your pic that your roost bar for entry to the nesting boxes is out of PVC...kinda "slippery" isn't it? Maybe they don't like it??? Just thinkin' .... always a bad sign!!

From what I can see I don't think it is made out of PVC pipe. I might be wrong though.

 

[Nimkimals]

They are red sex link, bought from a reputable hatchery. They seem very healthy and are settling in well. We are feeding the a laying pellet and they have access to oyster shells. Plus we have been giving them veggie scraps from the kitchen. I'm sure it's just a matter of time, no doubt they are stressed from the big move to way up north.

The roost bar is just a wood dowel, so it shouldn't be too slippery.

 

[chickenboy190]

They are red sex link, bought from a reputable hatchery. They seem very healthy and are settling in well. We are feeding the a laying pellet and they have access to oyster shells. Plus we have been giving them veggie scraps from the kitchen. I'm sure it's just a matter of time, no doubt they are stressed from the big move to way up north.

The roost bar is just a wood dowel, so it shouldn't be too slippery.

I would say they should be laying soon in the next week or so. So then you bought them at what age?

Okay.

 

[cackleberrycam]

X2

 

[JeanR]

Chickens do not have feet and toes like song birds. A round dowell or branch is not what chickens would be safe and comfortable roostiing on. A flat 1x3 is great for large fowl. They can land safely when going to roost, and are well balanced, body keeps the whole foot warm--and toes do not have to try to curve and act like a song bird to hang on. Chickens are "walkers" and scratchers, not perchers like song birds. Even pheasants "roost" on the ground, not in trees (except rarely in certain weather) feet are not designed to perch on round limbs.

Large fowl like Red Stars should be "singing" soon, to let you know to start looking for eggs, and most of the pullets will begin to lay at around 20-22 weeks old. My bantams lay much younger, but it is a big job to mature enough to lay those beautiful larger eggs (small to start with, but quickly becoming full sized!) Be patient, you will have more eggs than you can imagine in a few weeks! Good luck.

 

[sepaditty1]

My chickens jump past the flat board to go roost in the tree. The preferred branches are round. Probably 3/4 inch diameter.

 

[JeanR]

It is not the round roost they like, it is the height!

Owls would take them, if my birds roosted outside (and they would. if not fed evening Scratch in the houses and locked up at night, safe from Owls, Raccoon, Grizzly Bears, Mink, Weasels,.) You are fortunate to have them safety roost outside! If they are happy, that is a good thing. Good luck.

 

[Nimkimals]

We actually did replace the dowel with a 2x4 on its side and took the roost out and replaced it too. They are doing great, we got our first egg yesterday and another one today.

What are the girls doing when they squat down and stomp their feet real fast? A few of them have been doing it the past few days.

 

[JeanR]

It is a submissive postion, to be ready for the rooster, for breeding, and sometimes is done when you approach a pullet with no roosters around, instinctive. .Natural.
Lovely egg--there will be more to enjoy......