Should I buy eggs or wait it out?

[okallthis4eggs]

I have been overwhelmed by life lately. Trying to read the local thread now, and I hope to be able to start reading this one again.
I have lost two girls in the past week. Well, 10 days. Cadbury, my cross beak starved to death. My husband was home, and "taking care" of the chickens. We have had an issue with him starving them before. He did it again! He actually starved Cadbury to death! She was not able to eat as fast as the others, and not strong enough to push her way to the food when it was there.
That was the first Friday of the month. Penny was the last of my original flock. I found her Monday morning. She looked trampled right next to the empty feeders. I have learned my lesson. I just hope that my husband doesn't keep me from taking care of the chickens when he is home anymore.
I have not been getting many eggs this month. No eggs at all for 3 days. One the day before that. I also have several chickens with frostbite. My best rooster has it the worst. Again, I have learned ... I hope. I will add a heat lamp for temps below 20. Does that sound right? PA had -12 temp last Monday night, and the high was -1*. Now that there is damage, will it get worse easier?

I want a do-over!!!

Okay, I hope everyone is doing well. I will skim through the posts now.

Where were you at? They probably died from not having water because it was frozen. Do you have a heated water bowl for them?

 

[lindz8504]

I just saw today that Rogue has a touch of frostbite on his wattles and the tips of his comb. Not really black, but a pale-grayish color....

I think I am going to be getting at least 2 new EE girls to replace the 2 that were killed on Friday. They are coming from the same place as the Candy bar girls. She is also going to help me process these extra roos! I just have to take them up there and we are going to process 6 of mine and she has some as well. The plan is to do it on the 25th as long as the weather is decent. I just need to decide which of the Marans boys I want to keep, if any..... I would like to put one of them over the EE girls for a chance at some Olive eggers.... I have considered getting a new Marans rooster that isn't related to the 2 Marans pullets that I have. Hmm... choices,choices!

 

[cheeka]

Whoops - I'm sorry... but I want to show off my girls beautiful eggs

 

[showbarnmom]

I've got 19 hens, 16 of laying age. I'm only getting one egg a day. Pie isn't working. In all seriousness, what do I do? Everyone has molted. I've got one hen who hasn't laid an egg since I bought her in June.

I feed oats and barley as a snack each morning, free access to layer crumbles, and free ranging. Three nesting spots around the property outside of the coop and run.

I fed cat food for a while for extra protein, and it didn't seem to make a difference. Also kept everyone penned for the last week to "retrain" and nada. Getting frustrating. I know weather plays a factor but I'm in Tx. We are having a colder than normal winter but today's high was 75, low 55.

 

[cheeka]

it's more a factor of daylight. visible light is only 10h 23m today. optimum for laying is 14h. we're a bit away from that still. we're all not getting many, not much you can do but wait it out... again... I have 38 girls, all laying age now, but the 2 youngest are just now old enough at 6 months. so 36... and I was often getting 2 a day. it's just now starting to pick up...

 

[Whoops]

Whoops - I'm sorry... but I want to show off my girls beautiful eggs

They are GORGEOUS. I talked to my girls about chicken soup and freeloading as I cleaned their coop today. They just pecked at my shoe laces and pooped. I get no respect from them. Whichever hen laid those huge blue eggs deserves pie and pizza, and a spa day.

 

[showbarnmom]

it's more a factor of daylight.  visible light is only 10h 23m today.  optimum for laying is 14h.  we're a bit away from that still.  we're all not getting many, not much you can do but wait it out... again... I have 38 girls, all laying age now, but the 2 youngest are just now old enough at 6 months. so 36... and I was often getting 2 a day.  it's just now starting to pick up...

I figured time of year played the most into the factors. I don't want todo artificial lighting. I believe in a break. But 6 months?!? Geesh!!!

 

[BullChick]

OK, they do have a heated waterer. That (to my knowledge) was never dry, and it was never frozen.

 

[lindz8504]

Cheeka have you noticed that your EE girls lay eggs that are more football shaped? All my EE eggs are longer and more oblong than the comets' eggs. Just curious.

 

[SullyD]

Hi Everyone!

It is so nice to finally be able to catch up with all that is going on with you all. Between the holidays and two of my kids visiting, I haven't had much time to read this thread. Sorry to hear about everyone's cold related issues and neighbor dog issues! It has been a crazy winter with the extreme cold and the snow. And it is just January!

I am finally getting eggs! I have 20 layers all under a year old. So some days I am getting 9, and yesterday I got 13! I think they just couldn't hold them in any longer!

And, apparently chicken math works on goats too! I have one little goat that has been somewhat sickly and I was afraid I might lose her, so I bought another one from the same breeder. Well she had this adorable little blue eyed boy (with the exception of the roosters, I only have female animals), that she was giving away to either me or the other goat lady I bought the other goat from. Of course I told her no thank you! Well he now resides on my predominately female farm! I am having a blast with them though! Almost as much of a time waster as the chickens!

Speaking of chicken math, I put a dozen of my own eggs in the bator the day after Christmas. Tuesday is lockdown! I was really looking for more blue layers so 8 of them were blue. Figures that 5 were duds. All Ameraucana's. I have seen both AM roosters breeding her, so not sure why they were not fertile. (I did an eggtopsy on them and seemed infertile) And, given my past hatching history, the three remaining blues are sure to be roosters! I can't wait to see the chicks. I have 2 BRs, 2 Delaware, 3 CLs. Either AM roo or a Marans covered them. Should be interesting!

Stay warm!!