Questions about egg production with hens just starting to lay

[NalaLana000]

Some of my chickens started laying eggs a few days ago. I got 3 on the first day, 2 on the second, and 1 for the last two days. I thought I was kind of weird that I got 3 on the same day for the first time and then it kept declining. I never had chickens before, but is there something wrong with them? I heard that some chickens don't lay regularly when they first start laying, I just don't want to overlook something if there is something wrong. I heard about some chickens getting eggs stuck or laying internally and stuff like that. Would they be acting noticeably different if there was something like that wrong? Also I'm not sure if this makes a difference, but I have 14 chickens and they are different breeds. I know I'm probably just being paranoid, but I just really like my chickens and want to make sure nothing is wrong. I usually stress out at each new stage of their life. I stressed out when I first got them, when they first went outside, and now when they first stared laying eggs. Thanks

 

[Teila]

Hi there NalaLana000

Irregularity in laying is normal for birds new to it and it can take some time for their internal plumbing to sort itself out. You might find that they also lay at strange times of the day or night until they get settled into it.

Breed of chicken can also make a difference in that some are prolific layers and others are freeloaders like my bantams

Do you have some oyster shell available for them to peck at if and when they feel they need it? Personally, while the girls' food and water is in the run, I keep their oyster shell separate in the coop and they tend to have a peck at it [if needed] before going to roost.

Yep, egg bound chickens or chickens with egg yolk peritonitis will show signs of distress and these usually come in the form of straining, drooped tail, lethargy and general look of not being well.

If your girls are happy and preening, scratching, pecking, chattering, doing everyday chicken stuff then they are most likely just getting into the swing of the whole egg laying thing.

Just keep an eye on them for anything out of the ordinary.

 

[GitaBooks]

Any good chicken parent gets worried about their hens : )

Young chickens often start fairly strong, than take a few weeks to even out. Cold weather also influences laying, and if the temperature dropped or it was rainy they may stop laying for a few days. Hot temperatures (which I don't think any of us have a problem with) also can do that.

Sounds like they are doing well!

 

[NalaLana000]

Thank you for your replies. I haven't had a chance to go into town to get oyster shells yet, but was planning on going tomorrow. It occasionally rains, but it is quite warm compared to other places. I don't think they are hot because it is cooler than usual, but it only gets into the 60s or 70s at night. I think my golden buff is the one that has been laying everyday or almost everyday because I've seen her in the nesting box. I think the other is my barred rock because I found her feather with the eggs. I have no idea who the third one is.

 

[aart]

Are all your birds young just starting to lay?
Not all birds lay every single day, many do not.
Just relax and observe

Where are you located?
Putting it in your profile can really help.

There are ways to tell which birds are laying and which are not.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[NalaLana000]

At least 3 of them are but I'm not sure if there are more. I got 3 on the first day so I know there are at least 3. I didn't check their vents, but I did hangout with yesterday and carried them and looked at them to see if any were acting weird or seemed in pain. They all seemed fine haha but some of them don't like me much