/ Register

  1. Check out our Random Pics Page here, or learn more about it here.

Rhode Island BYC Newbie

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by ladyhawk124, Oct 12, 2014.

Most Liked Posts
Page 1 of 2
  1. Oct 12, 2014 #1
    ladyhawk124

    ladyhawk124 In the Brooder

    19
    1
    31
    Jun 5, 2014
    Rhode Island
    [​IMG]

    My flock of 11 mixed breed hens and 1 rooster were born May 10th are 22 weeks old. I live in Rhode Island and the cold weather and shorter days have arrived with Fall. My girls have not started laying yet and I'm trying to be patient but the anticipation is killing me!! I have been reading about hens not laying due to the cold weather and lack of light. Starting to worry I won't get eggs till spring? Is that just my impatients talking? Anyone else chomping on the bit waiting for their girls to lay?
     
  2. Oct 12, 2014 #2
    sourland

    sourland Broody Magician Premium Member 9 Years

    74,154
    49,520
    1,407
    May 3, 2009
    New Jersey
    [​IMG] I enlarged your picture, and of the hens visible the two RIR look closest to laying, but still a bit away. When their combs become even more enlarged they will begin to lay.
     
    1 person likes this.
  3. Oct 13, 2014 #3
    drumstick diva

    drumstick diva Still crazy after all these years. Premium Member 8 Years

    100,000
    59,194
    1,527
    Aug 26, 2009
    Out to pasture
    They may also do the "hen squat" for you if you touch their backs, that is another sign they will be laying soon. Glad you joined the BYC flock.
     
  4. Oct 14, 2014 #4
    Michael OShay

    Michael OShay Crowing

    25,581
    2,211
    438
    May 14, 2014
    Montana
    Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. Is that your daughter in the picture with the chickens? She's pretty. Raising chickens is a great experience for children. My granddaughter (pictured in my avatar) loves our chickens. Be patient regarding your girls laying. Most of my hens have started laying from 20-24 weeks (some a little earlier, a few of them a little later). I see 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Rhode Island Reds, 2 Light Brahmas, 3 Easter Eggers, and a Silver Laced Wyandotte in your photo; all good layers so I think you'll be getting eggs very soon. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck with your flock.
     
  5. Oct 14, 2014 #5
    TwoCrows

    TwoCrows Bird is the Word Staff Member Premium Member 7 Years

    34,492
    17,301
    1,022
    Mar 21, 2011
    New Mexico, USA
    My Coop
    Hello there and welcome to BYC! [​IMG]

    Yes, I know waiting for them to start laying can nearly kill you! Ha! But they should start soon. Most of the larger standard breed chickens lay through winter. I think yours will as well without extra lighting.

    As stated above, when the combs get a bit bigger and more red, and the birds squat for you when you lean over them, then they are very close to laying. Keep some fake eggs in the nest boxes to help teach them where you want them to lay.

    Good luck and I hope those eggs start coming soon!!
     
  6. Oct 14, 2014 #6
    Kelsie2290

    Kelsie2290 Free Ranging Premium Member

    36,683
    4,746
    566
    Feb 18, 2011
    Ohio
    Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Hope those first eggs show up soon!
     
  7. Oct 14, 2014 #7
    BantamLover21

    BantamLover21 Crowing 5 Years

    23,660
    1,444
    406
    Jul 24, 2013
    [​IMG] Glad you joined us!

    Yes, it can be hard waiting for eggs. Most young hens start laying before winter, but there is still a slight chance that without light, your hens will wait until spring.

    Good luck!
     
  8. Oct 14, 2014 #8
    Wyandottes7

    Wyandottes7 Crowing 5 Years

    20,585
    1,230
    401
    Jul 24, 2013
    Welcome to BYC! [​IMG]We're glad to have you.
     
  9. Oct 14, 2014 #9
    ladyhawk124

    ladyhawk124 In the Brooder

    19
    1
    31
    Jun 5, 2014
    Rhode Island
    [​IMG] so very happy my 1st egg!!
     
  10. Oct 14, 2014 #10
    ladyhawk124

    ladyhawk124 In the Brooder

    19
    1
    31
    Jun 5, 2014
    Rhode Island
    Thank you all for the very warm welcome. I was surprised with my 1st egg today. Never imaged I would enjoy my girls this much. Biggest smile ever !!
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2014
Page 1 of 2

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by: