The dreaded egg wait.

Date sort Score sort
We have 23 hens (and 3 roos, if anyone wants a very handsome dark brahma roo of their very own just let me know
roll.png
). 7 hens are 22 weeks and the rest are 21 weeks old. The barred rocks (22 weekers) started laying over the past two weeks, the rest are taking their sweet time. My speckled sussex still have nearly white faces. The faverolle's and wellsummers are just starting to redden up a bit and and at least one of the brahmas just started laying. We also got a soft egg today, they are so odd. I think it was one of the new layers because the rest are the thickest shells I have ever seen (so I don't think there is a disease or malnutrition going around).
 
I live in central FL (Arcadia) and my leghorn was the first to lay around 22+weeks.
Wydonette followed suit a couple of weeks after Leghorn.
The Barred Rock just started about 2 weeks ago (~24 weeks).
Still waiting on my two Americaunas they are close to 6 months old.
All the pullets were bought/raised from the same age. Go figure.

I am lucky that Leghorn lays everyday and the other two are nearly just as reliable.
I am very proud of my girls because it is HOT here. They get to free range lots.
thumbsup.gif
 
I can understand your frustration. We have 2 Rhode Island Reds and 2 New Hampshire Reds, all 21 1/2 weeks old and no eggs. These are our very first chickens and we have fallen in love with our girls! I just thought I was the only one so excited to see those first eggs!
smile.png
 
Quote:
What is a roll out nest? Don't you have to have hay or something for the hens to lay on? I'm still waiting, too.

A roll out nest is a nest where the eggs roll out from underneath the hen out of the nest area. It is a gradual slope. I found the plans on the BYC site by a fellow blogger "Opa" . I was skeptical that the hens would lay on the mats in the nest but so far most of the hens that are laying are using the nests. You do not put hay or straw in the nest because then the eggs wouldn't roll out. I do get a few eggs on the floor of the coop but I think it is the new layers. I hope as the pullets become more experienced they all use the nests. I am up to 10 eggs a day in the nests. The advantages of a roll out nest are: it discourages egg eating hens, the eggs stay cleaner, discourages broody hens, and I have rear roll out nest so I do not have to go into the coop area to pick up my eggs.
 
I just got my chickens a little over a week ago. Two (EE and BO) are around six months (not sure how many weeks) and I have a bantam Barnevelder that was previously laying (but was broody when I got her, I think she is over that now though). I am trying to hard to be patient while they get used to their new home. I keep thinking that the EE's comb is getting more red and fleshy. No squatting for me yet and I am trying not to disturb them too much as they are not used to me.
 
Quote:
What is a roll out nest? Don't you have to have hay or something for the hens to lay on? I'm still waiting, too.

A roll out nest is a nest where the eggs roll out from underneath the hen out of the nest area. It is a gradual slope. I found the plans on the BYC site by a fellow blogger "Opa" . I was skeptical that the hens would lay on the mats in the nest but so far most of the hens that are laying are using the nests. You do not put hay or straw in the nest because then the eggs wouldn't roll out. I do get a few eggs on the floor of the coop but I think it is the new layers. I hope as the pullets become more experienced they all use the nests. I am up to 10 eggs a day in the nests. The advantages of a roll out nest are: it discourages egg eating hens, the eggs stay cleaner, discourages broody hens, and I have rear roll out nest so I do not have to go into the coop area to pick up my eggs.

That sounds like a good idea. That way you don't have to worry about cleaning the eggs. I'll keep that in mind when I build my "real" coop!
 
So this is the dreaded "When will you free loaders lay?" page.

Yup, same here. Our black rock is so ready but then she looked ready at 20 weeks and that was 2 weeks ago...
One of the blue Orpington looks good to go too. The runt's comb is still orange though.
Luckily we kept 2 of last years reds so still have tasty breakfasts.

I need to take some current pics of my kids. I'll post em later today.
 

Similar threads

M
    • Like
Aggression?
Replies
5
Views
284
Mrs. K
Mrs. K
J
Not sure whats going on with my hen
2
Replies
11
Views
302
SamLockwood
SamLockwood
Pbccmom
    • Like
Dark Brahma still not laying at 22 weeks? Notmal?
Replies
3
Views
342
Pbccmom
Pbccmom
Ladybluearm
No eggs
Replies
3
Views
570
Ladybluearm
Ladybluearm
Kailcar
    • Love
    • Like
First egg!! Which chicken laid it?
Replies
3
Views
546
Kailcar
Kailcar

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom