New to everything

[ZhaLovely]

Hello, I'm new to everything and very much a beginner. New coop/run, new chickens, and new to BYC! I'm pretty sure I have New Hampshire Reds which I purchased from a reputable source. (Been doing lots of research over the last few weeks and almost positive they aren't Rhode Island Reds lol so go easy on me for not being sure of myself) The flock has yet to produce any eggs and I was told they were 20 weeks old when I brought them home last week. Now that they're 21 weeks old and settled into their home, I was super bummed to find no eggs for the eighth time. I'm beginning to feel like the sunlight is a major factor, I'm located in Northern Ontario more specifically Manitoulin, with the sun being out less then 12 hrs / day as of yestersay. Lots of over cast days and lots of fresh Great Lakes water for the flock everyday. I keep telling my husband we have to be patient and I'm running out of reasons to tell him why we got no eggs. Tell me, does natural sunlight play a major factor in egg production and ask me anything if I left it out? Thansk in advance!

 

[eggbert420]

Yes sun light plays a factor,also moving to a new home is stressful. 21 weeks is barely laying age for this breed. Give them time. Some people add supplement light a extra 4 hours in the mornings wouldn't hurt them.

 

[Cntry1958]

Hello and welcome to BYC,

Congratulations on becoming a chicken parent to a new flock. Your chickens may take a few more weeks before they begin to lay. They have to get used to all the changes they have just gone through this takes a little time. Also there is what is called a pecking order they have to also decide on, who's in charge. ( which chicken) Yes you are also correct about the light with chickens. They need 12 to 14 hours per day. If you have electric outside put in some lights on a timer. Just to give them a few more hours of light they need.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/18/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying "all about egg laying and chicken behavior"


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1169796/age-difference "age all about age differences "


https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/2/managing-your-flock " how to manage your flock"

These are just a few links you may enjoy.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. Personally, I would not worry about them not laying - they'll start in their own good time (although I think we all feel the same sense of frustration waiting).

You'll find lots of info in the Learning Centre - https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center and if you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.

You may wish to consider joining your country thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/144/canadians-check-in-here

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Zha Lovely

Welcome!

As you have already received links to some good starting points, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out