Newb question about my layers...

[Al_in_NB]

So I've had my 6 brown layers for nearly two weeks now, which would make them almost 21 weeks old.

Last week I got one small egg, but nothing since. I don't think they are stressed as they are getting quite comfortable with me now, and always hang out beside me while in the run when I'm putting food in for them.

So my question is, is it common to only get one egg when they are still young before they lay another? I have two that look more mature then the other 4, darker red combs etc...

I have my nesting boxes currently blocked off again, as I had thought that maybe after I got the first egg they would stop sleeping and pooping there, but no, when I had opened it up they just went back to the same routine. Should I unblock again, or leave it blocked off till I see more eggs?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Kiki]

Well first if the nesting boxes are blocked off they can't get in there to lay an egg right?
Unless you are just blocking them off at night.

New layers don't lay every day...give them a while to get on a regular schedule, they are just figuring out how to lay one.

Congrats on your first egg!
And welcome to BYC.

 

[Al_in_NB]

Well first if the nesting boxes are blocked off they can't get in there to lay an egg right?
Unless you are just blocking them off at night.

New layers don't lay everyday...give them a while to get on a regular schedule, they are just figuring out how to lay one.

Congrats on your first egg!
And welcome to BYC.

Thanks, it was pretty exciting to see that first one. So should I let them use the nesting boxes even though they are just sleeping and defecating in them? I figured it would take a little time for them to lay regular, but still a first timer so wasn't sure what to expect. I was kinda going by other things that I had read here about trying to keep them from using the nesting boxes for anything besides their intended purpose. I had put some golf balls in the last time I opened them up, but they just pooped on them and pushed them out into the coop. I do have them coming in and out of the coop on their own now.

 

[Kiki]

Well ideally they should not be sleeping in the nest boxes. Do you have a roost up higher where you could place them on at night to sleep?

Can you post a pic or two of your coop?

 

[bobbi-j]

Do they free range? If the nest boxes are blocked off, they may be laying elsewhere. I would suggest opening them up and putting the chickens on the roost at night so they hopefully get the idea that that's where they should be sleeping. Are the roosts higher than the nest boxes? Chickens prefer to roost up as high as they can.

 

[Al_in_NB]

Yes my coop is divided with a doorway into the nest boxes. There is a roost in the section with the light that they are using when they are in there. (I don't leave the light on, maybe I should?) They don't have full free range, the coop is fully roofed in with a run, so they cant find any place secret to lay their eggs.

When I remove the door into the nest boxes, they immediately go in there to hang out, its kinda funny really...its like they think its a new party place. Its not a big coop, I have the 6 hens and the rooster and I wouldn't add anymore. Definitely a learning curve, but so far I really enjoy having them.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I bet they go in the nest boxes to get away from the rooster. 6 hens in a small coop with a rooster, yikes, I need to hide.
Sounds like the rooster is stressing them out. GC

 

[Kiki]

I bet they go in the nest boxes to get away from the rooster. 6 hens in a small coop with a rooster, yikes, I need to hide.
Sounds like the rooster is stressing them out. GC

Very true...I didn't even think of this!

 

[tjb]

I bet they go in the nest boxes to get away from the rooster. 6 hens in a small coop with a rooster, yikes, I need to hide.
Sounds like the rooster is stressing them out. GC

So, I bought baby chicks from a feed store thinking I would get all hens. One ended up a rooster. I have 5 hens and 1 rooster. hens are 22 and 21 weeks--no eggs. should I consider getting rid of the rooster? I am worried about adding hens at this point...

 

[bobbi-j]

So, I bought baby chicks from a feed store thinking I would get all hens. One ended up a rooster. I have 5 hens and 1 rooster. hens are 22 and 21 weeks--no eggs. should I consider getting rid of the rooster? I am worried about adding hens at this point...

You have pullets and a cockerel. Your pullets may still be a bit young to start laying. What color are their combs and wattles? Are they doing the squat for you or your cockerel? Given plenty of room, your flock may all get along. You are the only one who can decide if you want to keep the cockerel or not. You don't NEED one unless you want to hatch your own fertile eggs.