Should I buy eggs or wait it out?

[cheeka]

kate, it sure sounds like those 2 are getting really close! good that one is investigating the nest too... although, the first egg is usually quite a surprise to the pullet and it can just pop out when they least expect it... I had one who went to take a drink of water, looked like she was going to poop, so I lowered the camera... and out popped an egg! what a picture I missed!

ahhh deep litter. I love it, but now I have to take on the huge job of removing all of the great dirt they made, set it to age for next year... and start all over.

nice to see you Roger. you best be taking care of your Dad!

18 Eggs today, and a hailstorm. I'm pooped too... but I love the pics Scrambles, especially the Pie, my gang loves all that stuff. you're lucky they didn't come over for dinner... congrats for a perfect egg count day. and

for CLindz for continued smooth transition!

 

[BullChick]

At the end of the chicken run, there is a hole. It was from my husband digging to place the bottom of the run more even (not that we succeeded!). There is a rose bush right there, so I wasn't overly worried about it. I filled it in with various things. The chickens kept pulling everything out.
I have not had very good egg numbers since selling off part of the flock. It could be that I sold the main rooster. It could be that they miss the other hens. It could also be that soon after, I closed off the second part of the shed, and added turkey poults. There have been several changes that could be causing the reduction in laying.
Now what I am getting to. I have always checked that hole periodically. Especially lately. Well, today I happened to find 2 eggs in there. Apparently I haven't been looking the last few days. I know the eggs are fresh, but I do think I will crush them for the girls.

 

[Sallysec]

Oh Mc they are playing tricks on you. I have an EE hiding her egg on me right now.

Hope everyone's having a good day. Working in the garden today. Tons of work to do til Monday I start the real job again. I think I'm going to try and candle some of the broody eggs today no one has gotten off it looks like.

 

[katekearby]

So pullets can just accidentally 'poop' out an egg the first time? or for a while? and they might just lay in those 'dents' in the ground?

I'm getting ready for the new hens to come next week and putting a 55 gal drum in the 'play yard' as a place for the new ones to hang out for the intro period and then it might end up being a day time laying spot, later on as I turn the girls together.

How long do you think we should keep them separate?

 

[Scrambles55]

So pullets can just accidentally 'poop' out an egg the first time? or for a while? and they might just lay in those 'dents' in the ground?

I'm getting ready for the new hens to come next week and putting a 55 gal drum in the 'play yard' as a place for the new ones to hang out for the intro period and then it might end up being a day time laying spot, later on as I turn the girls together.

How long do you think we should keep them separate?

Yes.. pullets can lay "egg farts" or "rubber eggs". It is a normal thing in the beginning, after a molt or during stress.
I am integrating my big girls with 6 week old chicks. They have seen each other since day one and have been free ranging together. They remain 2 separate flocks and last night was the first night that I left the "door" to the grow out pen open. Rumples and the chicks went in by themselves and the big girls went in the coop. All was well with them in the pen together. I think that Penny was traumatized by getting dosed with ivermectin yesterday afternoon. She is behaving today also.

 

[chickenlindz]

The both times I've integrated new birds I've let them see each other for at least a week by putting them in either separate cages or whatnot. Both times I've had successful integration w zero bullying.

Cleaned the big coop today. Besides the roosts once in got the old litter out I was shocked how clean the floor was (scrambles-yes it's linoleum). I didn't even have to wash it. There was no mold, dirt, poop or yuck. Just some dust from the litter. I added some DE and ash from the fireplace in w the new bedding. It looks so pretty. Here are the kids roosting.

I'm going to do the little coop soon too... Even tho it doesn't really need it it'll just be easier to have them on the same schedule.

Gotta get more shavings tho.

Two babies escaped from the pen and I'm so glad I have such nice chickens who just left them along. I blocked every hole (or so I thought). Phew glad I saw them. I then nlocked off the big girls and let them all out. Squirt loved it!

Hubby is building a ramp for the little coop. He got tired to my hodgepodge log stepping stones!!! LOL!

 

[mortie]

I do the DLM as well and I did a clean out last week because a friend wanted the poop. There were 4ish inches )6 if fluffy) of shavings in there and basically it was a space designed for 4 birds being occupied for 15 up until just recently. There was no smell and when I pulled all the shavings out, the floor was clean (It's painted with glossy exterior paint but that's it.) Way to go DLM.

Now that I am down to my permaflock, it will not take near that much abuse and i am shocked at how fine it was with so many birds inside.

No eggs today. No big combs. No wattles. I had a hard time dragging them in from free range bceause they were enjoying eating my hostas too much. Jerks.

 

[Scrambles55]

The new coop is almost done. The trim, roofing, gutter and paint needs to be done. I got a remnant piece of linoleum for the floor. Problem is, the inside of the coop is now 3x6. I really wanted 4x6, but when DH installed interior nest boxes and storage areas, it cut way down on room for the girls. OH well.....

 

[Scrambles55]

Hello?? Anybody home??
I just got my niece her wedding gift. It is a horseback ride and swim at the Honeymoon Resort in Jamaica.

just ONE

 

[chickenlindz]

[COLOR=800080]Hello?? Anybody home??[/COLOR]
[COLOR=800080]I just got my niece her wedding gift. It is a horseback ride and swim at the Honeymoon Resort in Jamaica.[/COLOR]
:yiipchick just ONE

Nice gift!!!

And beautiful coop. How many birds are going in it? I wanted bigger too... But alas, my second is kinda small too. Oh well! If I get a third maybe.... Haha DH will kill me!!