No eggs yet but…..

[luckycluk]

I have 7 EE’r pullets and on cockerel that are 18 weeks and 1 day, and 5 pullets that will be 13 weeks tomorrow. 3 days ago I noticed one of my 18 wk old pullets was being mounted by my 18 wk old cockerel. Then I noticed he was mounting another pullets yesterday. I noticed 5 of my 18 week old pullets waddles n crops have turned redder. If he is mounting them is this a sign they are going to start laying? Also I am using plain shredded( like printer paper) in my laying boxes) i feel it showed be ok, what is anyones thoughts on this. One more question please, I have ceramic a egg in one of the nesting boxes to guide them when they are ready to lay, will they know by instinct to use the laying boxes to lay? Thank you in advance for sharing your experience or suggestions with me. I’m grateful for all.

 

[Sussex19]

3 days ago I noticed one of my 18 wk old pullets was being mounted by my 18 wk old cockerel. Then I noticed he was mounting another pullets yesterday. I noticed 5 of my 18 week old pullets waddles n crops have turned redder. If he is mounting them is this a sign they are going to start laying?

That does sound like they might have started squatting, which is when they crouch down for a rooster. This is usually a sign that they will begin to lay in the next couple of weeks.

Also I am using plain shredded( like printer paper) in my laying boxes) i feel it showed be ok, what is anyones thoughts on this.

I don't know about this, but I but I can't see any problem with it.

One more question please, I have ceramic a egg in one of the nesting boxes to guide them when they are ready to lay, will they know by instinct to use the laying boxes to lay?

Usually the fake eggs work very well, and they find them know problem; however don't be surprised if it takes them a little while to work it out.

 

[Ruffled Feathers]

I would assume they are close to laying at 18 weeks, that’s when my EEs started. My sapphire gems were a little older when they started. Would suggest to look around to make sure they didn’t lay somewhere other than the nesting box but am sure you’re already doing that.

I use three golf balls to guide the girls to the nesting boxes and it has always worked well. Not sure if more than one really makes much difference, but for me there’s no shortage of old golf balls that can’t fly straight.

 

[luckycluk]

Thank you Sussex19 & Ruffled feathers for replying to my post. I appreciate your opinions and your experience. I’ve never raised chickens from chicks. I’m leRning as I go I don’t know what I would of done without BYC and all the nice people here willing to share their knowledge. Again thank you . My granddaughter and I are going to continue our egg watch. We are excited ( trying to be patient) for the first egg. We have a little bet going who will find it first

 

[Ruffled Feathers]

Any update on the egg situation? If it hasn’t happened yet then hope it will soon.