So Eggcited

[Col1948]

Funny about using the same nest, I experimented with nests, changing them about putting the fake egg in in just one to encourage them to use a different nest etc.
It's strange how they seem to prefer the one nest to the others, I used to think they left some kind of scent that tells the others this one is safe, so I swapped the straw from it to another but they still went in the same nest.
I've had two in the nest at once, one sat almost on top of the other, did one of them move... No!

 

[GC-Raptor]

Funny about using the same nest, I experimented with nests, changing them about putting the fake egg in in just one to encourage them to use a different nest etc.
It's strange how they seem to prefer the one nest to the others, I used to think they left some kind of scent that tells the others this one is safe, so I swapped the straw from it to another but they still went in the same nest.
I've had two in the nest at once, one sat almost on top of the other, did one of them move... No!

I got 3 nests available.
They've checked and been in all, but only lay in the one.
I have 7 Pullets in the coop. I hope they start using the other nests when all 7 are laying, or there's gonna be chaos. The nests are small and the Barred Rocks are big girl's.
At 21 weeks, most are bigger than my 33 months old Golden Comets. GC

 

[Col1948]

I said earlier I've tried different ideas for nests, one I tried and they didn't seem to mind was using cardboard boxes from the supermarket, the ones they throw away.
I modified them a bit by cutting parts out and just putting straw in, they all used them no problem, also if and when they got damaged I just threw them away, after all they were free.
At the moment I have block of 3 nests made of thin plywood, but as I said earlier they tend to use just the 1 nest out of the 3, from time to time I've found an egg in one of the others.
I only have 4 hens and 3 are laying, the other one I think is a bit young yet so hoping in the spring she will start.

 

[RoosterML]

@GC-Raptor with the BR being dual purpose, what you doing with them? Just laying birds or hatch some of the eggs and do meaties also?

 

[GC-Raptor]

@GC-Raptor with the BR being dual purpose, what you doing with them? Just laying birds or hatch some of the eggs and do meaties also?

No boys here, just girls.
I purchase day old sexed chicks.
They sure are big girls, some are 2 pounds heavier than my Golden Comets. I always said I would make stew after 28 months with my Golden Comets. They are 33 months.
It's hard to cull when you name them and so tame that I can pick them up.
At this time I have culled one for illness and buried.
I currently have 3 hens and 7 Pullets.
Barred Rocks that i got from TSC grew fast and I believe a Cockerel would make a good meal. GC

 

[Tinkey71]

It is exciting! After months of caring for them and hoping that 1st egg is certainly exciting. Mine just started also, I’m up to 5 eggs in 3 days, and I’m thrilled

 

[GC-Raptor]

Congratulations, Tinkey71
This is my second Flock and the anticipation of that first egg is still exciting. GC

 

[Leaway Farm]

WE are happy to report that the new year brought us laying hens almost 5 months to the day ....... not sure who is and is not laying but we have been getting 1-3 eggs a day 4 yesterday with a total of 18 for this week from 11 hens ..

 

[GC-Raptor]

Update, I got my first 4 egg day from the Pullets Tuesday. . The big egg is from the hens coop.

Yesterday I got a XL egg from the Pullets coop. . 69 grams. Before that the biggest egg from the Pullets was 46 grams. GC

 

[Aceoky]

Congratulations"!! The big one is likely a double yolker