Hello all again,
Random question about oyster shell.
I have a mixed age flock as I'd imagine 99.9% of us do and have oyster shell set out for free choice for my older birds(1+ year). But I've noticed my second generation flock that's floating somewhere in the 15-16 week age range (SLW, GLW, "ameraucana" and sapphire gems) have had a couple pecking through and eating some last couple days or so when before they showed no interest in it at all.
Could this indicate that they may be coming close to starting to lay? I know generally speaking birds don't start laying until 20+ weeks. But in that same note IF the place I purchased them from was right on their age, I won't see eggs from them til around September 13th(earliest "americauna" and sapphire gems but as late as 7 months of age for gems) and as late as October 11th for the Wyandottes.
Based on my research the "ameraucana" birds are the earliest layers then the sapphire gems but was told they can take anywhere from 5-7 months to start laying then the Wyandottes between the weeks of 24-28 weeks.
Again, the shell is out there free choice for the older birds which I see at daily even for a short time. I'm honestly curious what this could indicate for my younger girls and if anyone else experienced this.
Thanks.
Random question about oyster shell.
I have a mixed age flock as I'd imagine 99.9% of us do and have oyster shell set out for free choice for my older birds(1+ year). But I've noticed my second generation flock that's floating somewhere in the 15-16 week age range (SLW, GLW, "ameraucana" and sapphire gems) have had a couple pecking through and eating some last couple days or so when before they showed no interest in it at all.
Could this indicate that they may be coming close to starting to lay? I know generally speaking birds don't start laying until 20+ weeks. But in that same note IF the place I purchased them from was right on their age, I won't see eggs from them til around September 13th(earliest "americauna" and sapphire gems but as late as 7 months of age for gems) and as late as October 11th for the Wyandottes.
Based on my research the "ameraucana" birds are the earliest layers then the sapphire gems but was told they can take anywhere from 5-7 months to start laying then the Wyandottes between the weeks of 24-28 weeks.
Again, the shell is out there free choice for the older birds which I see at daily even for a short time. I'm honestly curious what this could indicate for my younger girls and if anyone else experienced this.
Thanks.