Hi, I'm relatively new to the world of Chickens too, 2/12. I have 8 hens of various ages: 1 Bardrock, 1 New Hampshire Red, 3 Red Sexlinks, 1 Delaware, and 2 Astroloups. I found them on Craigslist - from a graduating senior who had been in Future Farmers of America and her parents were done with chickens as she was going off to college. Took me a couple of years to convince my husband that we should have chickens, but he loves them as much as I do now.
Our kids finished college last year and are now on their own. We have 3 rottweilers who like hanging out with the "Girls".
I was told my chickens were between 1 and 3 years old - does any one know how to tell how old they are? I'm getting between 5-7 eggs a day (a couple of times I got 8). When we got them in February they were only laying 3-4 eggs a day.
I'm amazed at how social and fun they are. I let them out of their pen (which surrounds their coop) every morning before I leave for work. When we are home, the like to hang out on our patio up against the sliding door. My daughter is afraid I'm going to let them in the house! They run and greet me when I get home each evening.
Can you let them free range too much? I've noticed they don't seem to like their feed lately and the egg shells are softer. They've broken a few of late and eaten them. I typically let them out at 6:30 am and close them up about 8 (now that it is lighter later). They go in the coop to lay their eggs. Open to suggestions. Thanks!
Very glad I stumbled onto this site!!
Our kids finished college last year and are now on their own. We have 3 rottweilers who like hanging out with the "Girls".
I was told my chickens were between 1 and 3 years old - does any one know how to tell how old they are? I'm getting between 5-7 eggs a day (a couple of times I got 8). When we got them in February they were only laying 3-4 eggs a day.
I'm amazed at how social and fun they are. I let them out of their pen (which surrounds their coop) every morning before I leave for work. When we are home, the like to hang out on our patio up against the sliding door. My daughter is afraid I'm going to let them in the house! They run and greet me when I get home each evening.
Can you let them free range too much? I've noticed they don't seem to like their feed lately and the egg shells are softer. They've broken a few of late and eaten them. I typically let them out at 6:30 am and close them up about 8 (now that it is lighter later). They go in the coop to lay their eggs. Open to suggestions. Thanks!
Very glad I stumbled onto this site!!
from Ohio. So glad you joined.Good advice given. 
