Texas Transplant
Songster
Hello Chicken Folk,
I've got a Welsummer & a BCM that are 21.5 weeks old that have been squatting for 2.5 weeks but, there is nary an egg to be found ANYWHERE in their yard. Nor are they singing egg songs. The BCM's comb and wattles have increased in size significantly and look to be the normal size for a full grown hen. The Welsummer (the first to start squatting) still needs some comb growth and reddening (in my opinion). I had first estimated they'd start laying late September/early October and was surprised by them starting to squat at 19 weeks! Has anyone else experienced pullets squatting for so long before laying their first egg? I've been going out to their run/coop multiple times a day to look for an egg or perhaps remnants of an egg (in case they're eating them). They are all fed a healthy balanced diet with lots of fresh dark greens available as well as oyster shell (which I put out a week ago). The nesting boxes have been opened up and have mock eggs in them. I've just never experienced pullets squatting so long without laying an egg, I'm stumped.
I've got a Welsummer & a BCM that are 21.5 weeks old that have been squatting for 2.5 weeks but, there is nary an egg to be found ANYWHERE in their yard. Nor are they singing egg songs. The BCM's comb and wattles have increased in size significantly and look to be the normal size for a full grown hen. The Welsummer (the first to start squatting) still needs some comb growth and reddening (in my opinion). I had first estimated they'd start laying late September/early October and was surprised by them starting to squat at 19 weeks! Has anyone else experienced pullets squatting for so long before laying their first egg? I've been going out to their run/coop multiple times a day to look for an egg or perhaps remnants of an egg (in case they're eating them). They are all fed a healthy balanced diet with lots of fresh dark greens available as well as oyster shell (which I put out a week ago). The nesting boxes have been opened up and have mock eggs in them. I've just never experienced pullets squatting so long without laying an egg, I'm stumped.
!
