RIR? PR? Neither?

[TX2CA]

Hey y'all I am brand new to chickens. The farm guy I got my 3 hens from said they were 6 month old RIR. but after lurking here and seeing pics I'm noticing major differences. I'm thinking now they are PRs. It doesn't truly matter, but I'm also trying to figure out their ages so knowing what to look for would be great. They were just moved 2 weeks ago so I'm not expecting eggs tomorrow, but none of them are interested in the nesting boxes, squatting or even very chatty. Thanks for help

 

[Lady of McCamley]

First, Welcome to BYC and chicken keeping!

Yes, I think they are Production Reds, which is simply hatchery quality RIR.

They should be great layers...and I am surprised they are not laying even with the move especially since it was 2 weeks ago.. (My RIR's I gave to my daughter layed in route to TN, hauled in the back of a trailer, and continue to lay on her new farm there).

I do see feathers floating, so they could be molting, which would definitely stop production....a little unusual for birds at 6 months, but maybe change of weather, lighting, move brought on a molt.

As to how old they are...that is a tough one after a chicken has reached maturity.

I can say they are pullets/hens and they are fully grown vs. you don't have young cockerals nor younger birds.

General condition is in keeping with 6 months-ish....older hens tend to have some scaly leg mite or some general aging appearance...but only if they are not kept up...my 3 to 4 year old "pet" hens that I keep because they follow my husband around (which he enjoys) look no different on the outside than my fully grown pullets at 6 months.

You can see if they are close to laying or have been in production by measuring the distance between their pubic bones. I'll link a video and article below as it is easier to see than explain.

An older hen will eventually shut down production, and her pelvis becomes very narrow...sort of like the craggy old woman. I'm not seeing that in your hens.

That's about all you can do when you purchase older hens...view their general appearance and check their pelvic bones for production stage.

LofMc

 

[Lady of McCamley]

...More thoughts....

As they've just transitioned, which can be a major stressor, now would be a good time to worm them. I like to use Durvet Strike III (hygromycin B) as it is FDA approved for laying hens since it does not pass into the eggs nor does it interfere with feather re-growth during a molt as some wormers can. I do that twice to three times a year, for 2 weeks, and then go herbal in between to keep worm loads down. (I'm of the camp, having tried it, that "natural" herbals can keep worm loads down, but don't kill worms, so eventually you have to use the "real" stuff as the worm load builds up in the soil and the chickens.)

You can also get hygromycin B in Rooster Booster Triple Action Multi Wormer which also contains multi-vitamins, minerals, probiotics, making it a great booster for overall health. It also contains Bacitracin which is a mild antibiotic often used for CRD (chronic respiratory disease). CRD affects many chickens and is typically caused by Mycoplasma Gallesepticum bacterium, another thing very common in the environment. Rooster Booster Multi Wormer too has no FDA pull period for the eggs, as studies show it stays in the gut and doesn't pass to the eggs, albeit it is an addition of an antibiotic which concerns some, especially if you are trying to keep organic standards. I like it and have used it periodically for a boost in my flock when I want more than a wormer or have the occasional bird exhibiting "asthma' (CRD).

Since they have such plump combs and wattles, I think they must be close to 6 months of age...maybe a tiny bit younger as when I look close their combs are not super red...but look very close to lay if not of age to lay. You might want to put them on a layer feed to ensure they are getting enough calcium to start laying. The other option is to have them on a flock raiser and put out oyster shell or calcium citrate grit. I prefer the calcium citrate grit as it is good for grit as well as calcium and I find the birds seem to absorb it better than oyster shell (which can smell fishy too).

You also may consider putting them on a medicated feed (amprolium chick start) as you just changed farms to prevent coccidia overgrowth (a protozoa that lives in all soil). Your strain is likely different than the strain on the farm, and your new birds will have to gain a resistance to your strain. Feeding them medicated chick feed for a month can help with transition and prevent a nasty coccidiosis flare up. If you see them huddling, listless, after a major transition, suspect coccidia. Once you get to the bloody diarrhea, it is often too late and bird loss is common even with treatment of Corid or Sulmet.

I find it very beneficial to put Apple Cider Vinegar in the water, use a plastic container never metal as the ACV will erode the zinc off the metal creating a toxin. ACV, raw, unfiltered, with the "mother" provides healthful pectin (a probiotic food) and increases acidic level to optimize their gut for good nutrient digestion. The addition of yogurt (unless you're using the Rooster Booster) will add probiotics so they have healthy good bacteria. The gut is the first line of defense in the bird's immune system.

Finally, give them a good dusting of Poultry Dust to ensure they are not being drained by external parasites. Repeat in 10 days if you see any lice/mites, otherwise, I keep the dust scattered on their dusting area and they do a good job of dusting themselves. I apply directly only if there is an overgrowth in a bird. (Using a nylon sock as a powder puff helps get the dust on the bird and not over yourself, use a nose mask if you are sensitive to dust particles yourself). I do not prefer DE (diatomaceous earth) as it is known to be a respiratory irritant in man and beast with sensitive individuals quickly resulting in asthma or lung scarring.

Those are the start up tips I would offer to ensure they remain at optimum health after a move and to help bring on laying sooner than later.

Enjoy your new little flock

LofMc

 

[Michael OShay]

First, Welcome to BYC and chicken keeping!

Yes, I think they are Production Reds, which is simply hatchery quality RIR.

They should be great layers...and I am surprised they are not laying even with the move especially since it was 2 weeks ago.. (My RIR's I gave to my daughter layed in route to TN, hauled in the back of a trailer, and continue to lay on her new farm there).

I do see feathers floating, so they could be molting, which would definitely stop production....a little unusual for birds at 6 months, but maybe change of weather, lighting, move brought on a molt.

As to how old they are...that is a tough one after a chicken has reached maturity.

I can say they are pullets/hens and they are fully grown vs. you don't have young cockerals nor younger birds.

General condition is in keeping with 6 months-ish....older hens tend to have some scaly leg mite or some general aging appearance...but only if they are not kept up...my 3 to 4 year old "pet" hens that I keep because they follow my husband around (which he enjoys) look no different on the outside than my fully grown pullets at 6 months.

You can see if they are close to laying or have been in production by measuring the distance between their pubic bones. I'll link a video and article below as it is easier to see than explain.

An older hen will eventually shut down production, and her pelvis becomes very narrow...sort of like the craggy old woman. I'm not seeing that in your hens.

That's about all you can do when you purchase older hens...view their general appearance and check their pelvic bones for production stage.

LofMc

X2 on LofMc's post.

 

[TX2CA]

Thanks y'all so much! I haven't been handling them much, as it seemed to scare them. But they are getting much more comfortable with me now, helps that I bring treats lol! I'll watch that video and try that out soon. I've been checking out their poop and it all seems normal. I thought they were losing a lot of feathers, but it's super hot here (106 today!) does heat have anything to do with that? If it is a molt I'll help them through it and just wait for eggs thanks again for the advice! I love the community here!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Thanks y'all so much! I haven't been handling them much, as it seemed to scare them. But they are getting much more comfortable with me now, helps that I bring treats lol! I'll watch that video and try that out soon. I've been checking out their poop and it all seems normal. I thought they were losing a lot of feathers, but it's super hot here (106 today!) does heat have anything to do with that? If it is a molt I'll help them through it and just wait for eggs

thanks again for the advice! I love the community here!

At 106 degrees...yup...that there's the issue with laying...heat can definitely throw layers off or delay laying in pullets. Could force feather loss just due to the move and heat stress.

Keep them cool, watch for heat stress...lots of panting, listless, pale combs, looking generally miserable. Make sure their water is in the shade and within easy view (chickens can be pretty dumb and not go to water when they need it unless it's right in front of them in the shade).

My daughter in TN has a misting system set up to keep her birds cool in their long hot summers....but just having a little kiddie pool to let them run through...or even letting the hose pool in an area...can help them cool off.

We don't normally get a lot of heat here in Northern Oregon, but I have been known to turn the sprinkler on for the "girls" and watch them play.

LofMc

 

[TX2CA]

First of all, I must say, you are so friendly and helpful! Thank you for coming back to give me advice and answer my questions. Their run is always shady, but at 106 everywhere is miserable. Thanks for the misting idea. I'll rig one up. I'm a stay at home mom so I'm able to check on them frequently. I was giving them ACV but I read somewhere in hot climates it can dehydrate hens. Do you know if there is truth to that?
Oregon is beautiful! My brother lives in Portland. It's such a beautiful state

 

[Michael OShay]

First of all, I must say, you are so friendly and helpful! Thank you for coming back to give me advice and answer my questions. Their run is always shady, but at 106 everywhere is miserable. Thanks for the misting idea. I'll rig one up. I'm a stay at home mom so I'm able to check on them frequently. I was giving them ACV but I read somewhere in hot climates it can dehydrate hens. Do you know if there is truth to that?
Oregon is beautiful! My brother lives in Portland. It's such a beautiful state

Another thing you can do is give them some large slices of frozen watermelon. They will both peck at them and sit on them to keep cool.

 

[BantamLover21]

They look like Production Reds to me, too.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

First of all, I must say, you are so friendly and helpful! Thank you for coming back to give me advice and answer my questions. Their run is always shady, but at 106 everywhere is miserable. Thanks for the misting idea. I'll rig one up. I'm a stay at home mom so I'm able to check on them frequently. I was giving them ACV but I read somewhere in hot climates it can dehydrate hens. Do you know if there is truth to that?
Oregon is beautiful! My brother lives in Portland. It's such a beautiful state

ACV shouldn't dehydrate them...I've never heard that...you only put in a Tablespoon in the gallon water dispenser (always plastic never metal). It does a lot to keep bacterial scum down and refreshen the water...like a spritz of lemon in the mineral water for a hot day.

And yes...Michael O Shay has an excellent idea with the frozen watermelon...that is a wonderful way to help keep them cool...just not a lot as it could cause the runs too.

Yup...I'm in the Portland area, and it is beautiful here...generally we deal with lots of rain, but this summer has been long and hot! My girls have let me know just how hot!

Enjoy your flock.
LofMc

PS: If interested, and you have young children, I have several really great units for doing egg studies and chick studies with kids...I raised my kids through 4H and now do them with ESL students....Just let me know and I'll link them.