- Apr 1, 2009
- 5
- 0
- 7
Hey all. I have just recently got myself in to the chicken keeping game. I thought i would join the site as you all seem like nice and helpfull people and i could do with help niow and again.
I Bought myself 4 hens at 20weeks old, two rhodies (pure breeds)and two black rocks. i converted my old 8 x 12ft shed and build a run off it fully meshed with ample room for them.
I have a few Questions tho. I have had them for about 2 weeks and they still havent laid. i know i am inpatient but whats the longest i could be waiting for my 1st eggs? They all seem happy and healthy!!
Also i have noticed to like to sleep on the floor in one corner. ther are nesting boxes about 2ft off the ground and a couple of roost at varied heights. should i be worried about this?? the only reason i can think of that they sllep on the floor is because the shed is windowed and they like to be hidden against the wall wile they sleep!
I have noticed on there feathers in the last couple of days dust specs on there bodies, as they arnt used to be handled its a struggle to pick them up to inspect them. i am worried about mites as there run floor is bark chippings. The dust spec are like dandruff sized but i use dust free sawdust so dont think it could be that.
my last question (finally i hear u say
) around there vents there feathers are slightly mucky with what looks like their poo. As said befir i cannot get close enough at the moment to check them, but i wonder if this is because they sleep on the floor in the coop.
thanks for reading i hope you can put my mind at ease!
I Bought myself 4 hens at 20weeks old, two rhodies (pure breeds)and two black rocks. i converted my old 8 x 12ft shed and build a run off it fully meshed with ample room for them.
I have a few Questions tho. I have had them for about 2 weeks and they still havent laid. i know i am inpatient but whats the longest i could be waiting for my 1st eggs? They all seem happy and healthy!!
Also i have noticed to like to sleep on the floor in one corner. ther are nesting boxes about 2ft off the ground and a couple of roost at varied heights. should i be worried about this?? the only reason i can think of that they sllep on the floor is because the shed is windowed and they like to be hidden against the wall wile they sleep!
I have noticed on there feathers in the last couple of days dust specs on there bodies, as they arnt used to be handled its a struggle to pick them up to inspect them. i am worried about mites as there run floor is bark chippings. The dust spec are like dandruff sized but i use dust free sawdust so dont think it could be that.
my last question (finally i hear u say

thanks for reading i hope you can put my mind at ease!