New member!

[cmchicks]

Need help determining if hen or rooster

 

[The Noodle Farm]

Thank you! Any tips for me. When should I be looking for eggs?

 

[sumi]

@The Noodle Farm pullets come into aged around 20-25 weeks. If you see their combs turning bright red and may start squatting when you approach, or reach out to them, those are signs they are getting close. Once they start laying you can switch their feed to layer, to ensure they get all the nutrients they need for themselves, as well as egg production.

 

[cstronks]

@The Noodle Farm pullets come into aged around 20-25 weeks. If you see their combs turning bright red and may start squatting when you approach, or reach out to them, those are signs they are getting close. Once they start laying you can switch their feed to layer, to ensure they get all the nutrients they need for themselves, as well as egg production.

This is very good advice. Some sex link/production hens can lay earlier, but anywhere from 18-25 weeks is when you should start looking out for eggs. Squatting is a tell tale sign of maturity for sure.

As for your flock, it sounds like a great one for a starter. Those are all hearty laying birds that should be very productive for you. In regards to the silkies, they are not as productive, so if you are looking for more eggs then they are not the best option. Their fluffy look can also get them picked on a bit, so it might be more difficult integrating them into an already established flock, but I'm sure it can happen.

Good luck!

 

[The Noodle Farm]

Thank you for all the good info. I'm so excited that they are doing good and maturing on schedule.