My Barred Rock has suddenly become friendly!

[chattykathy306]

So, last week, I was surprised that Madga, my Barred Rock, allowed me to pet her. All 6 of them come close to me, but have never wanted to be touched. This morning, I saw Magda heading across the road to the neighbor's house, so I went after her. As I got closer, she kind of squatted down, got very still and allowed me to pick her up and carry her home, cooing all the way. Of course, I am quite surprised and excited! Anybody out there know what this is all about? Geez. I never expected chickens would be this interesting and fun! So glad we got them.

 

[Crafty-Duck]

That's the egg squat!!!! has she been laying? because if she hasn't started yet she will soon!!!!

 

[chattykathy306]

OMG! I am so excited! I need to have my husband get the nesting boxes into the coop! If she has been laying, we didn't expect it and haven't seen an egg yet. I better go check. Wow! This made my day! Thanks for helping to educate this ignorant new chicken keeper!

 

[Crafty-Duck]

After you see the egg squat it could be a week or so before you see eggs! but it is a good sign that your chicken is getting ready to start laying

 

[chattykathy306]

Not know what this was or what to expect, I haven't really been on the lookout for it. In fact, I'm not sure which day she let me pet her, but I estimate about a week ago. Some days, when I am busy, I don't spend much time around them. We were also gone away for 4 days. I thought maybe she had just been missing me a lot!

I called Larry at work and he also is very excited. When he gets home, he will put in the nesting box which I just prepared. I can't do a lot with the coop, since breaking a vertebra recently, while hanging a water bucket in there. I think they owe me an egg for that!!

I just picked up some layer ration, but they have thus far just been eating grower. I guess I will have him give them some of the layer ration today. Do you think the first eggs will be abnormal, due to not having the proper food? I have gotten the Purina Omega-3. Is there enough calcium in it, so that I don't have to give them any extra?
I really appreciate all the help I am able to get on here. Thanks.

 

[Crafty-Duck]

You can start giving them layer feed when you start getting eggs or you can give them free choice oyster shells to eat for the calcium.Another good indicator for hens to start laying is they will check out the nest boxes (stand in them,sit)mine even did the egg song before she started laying,and their combs and wattles will be red.I think the easiest thing is to give them some oyster shells or crushed egg shells then when you get eggs you can switch them to the layer feed when you get eggs if you want.

 

[chattykathy306]

Thanks. Have a great day!

 

[chattykathy306]

Yippee! Magda laid an egg! When Larry came home from work and put the nesting box in, he found it. It's small, but so perfect! So, I expect we will be getting more. Wonder when the other girls will be ready. Should I save it and add to it, so we have enough to scramble and share? Are these first eggs normal and OK to eat, other than being small? I can't believe I could get so excited about such a thing! Yeah, I guess I can ; I have always been impressed with the marvels of God's creation!!

 

[Crafty-Duck]

First eggs are usually small and perfectly fine to eat

 

[Crafty-Duck]

Congrats by the way