Paranoid

[jmemom]

I realize that my 15 chickens are at 21 weeks and it's not entirely unusual that no one is laying yet. But I'm paranoid that they have started (or will start) but will eat the evidence before I find it. I don't have time to chicken sit to see if anyone is laying, and I can't really hear them from the house. So am I paranoid?

Will they just lay the eggs and everyone will leave them alone until I find them?

 

[labargeioson]

It would be rare for you to not see any evidence of an egg eater. Typically they will just crack and eat the shell (if they have a calcium deficiency in their diet). I had the same concerns (laying somewhere other than the nesting boxes) but my hens started laying right where I wanted them to. I enticed them for a few weeks prior to laying by placing some golf balls inside the nesting boxes. Do you have a place in your yard that the chickens typically sit? If so, check there. Also, you can encourage them to lay in their nesting boxes by locking them inside the coop for a few days (if you suspect they are already laying).

 

[4 luv of eggs]

I wouldn't worry about it. I had the same feeling. They are still quite young. Look for the signs that they are about ready to lay (red large combs and waddles, squatting, egg song, checking out nesting boxes). I worried too but I think there would be some evidence left behind like egg yolk on the gound or on the hen. Once you get your first egg you'll relax a bit. I'm waiting for my first white egg. My Leghorns are about 23 weeks old, showing all the signs but I'm still looking for that egg. I've looked everywhere for a hidden nest but nothing yet.

 

[Pequena Bandada]

Yup, you're paranoid. But that's ok - you're not alone in worrying about things you shouldn't - we all do it. However, don't worry about this! Your chickens won't eat their eggs. And even if they did, you'd still see shells so you'd know what's going on.

 

[jmemom]

Thanks! I figured I was being paranoid, but it's nice to have the reassurance.

The only time I get super anxious about those chicks laying some eggs is when I'm in the aisle at the grocery store. Then I'm thinking "I hate paying for eggs! Now, how many should I get?" Maybe next time I'll pick up four dozen eggs... Murphy's law and all, I'd come home to eggs in the coop for sure!