The long wait....

[krista74]

Hi all Hubby and I bought 4 RIR and 2 BO pullets about a month ago (and a lovely cockerel called George!). We were advised at the time that they were "around 5 months old and about to start laying." So far, 1 of the BO's has laid an egg every day for two weeks, and the first RIR started laying three days ago, but did not give us an egg today. Physically, all have very deep red wattles and combs, but none of them seem to do the squat - I've sat there, watching, for extensive periods of time! They are all healthy and fed a good diet, and have access to an outside run to free-range. I have searched high and low for a hidden stash of eggs, but have found none. When will the others start laying?! The wait is killing me, but hubby says 'Be patient, they will come on in the spring.' Is he right? He assures me that (with the exception of George) they are not roos! Thanks in advance.

 

[iwiw60]

Hi all Hubby and I bought 4 RIR and 2 BO pullets about a month ago (and a lovely cockerel called George!). We were advised at the time that they were "around 5 months old and about to start laying." So far, 1 of the BO's has laid an egg every day for two weeks, and the first RIR started laying three days ago, but did not give us an egg today. Physically, all have very deep red wattles and combs, but none of them seem to do the squat - I've sat there, watching, for extensive periods of time! They are all healthy and fed a good diet, and have access to an outside run to free-range. I have searched high and low for a hidden stash of eggs, but have found none. When will the others start laying?! The wait is killing me, but hubby says 'Be patient, they will come on in the spring.' Is he right? He assures me that (with the exception of George) they are not roos! Thanks in advance.

Yes, the "waiting game" can be frustrating!!

Just be patient (easy for me to say, eh?!!) .. they'll soon start and you'll have lovely fresh eggs!!

 

[earlybird10842]

It always takes longer than you expect! Some chickens take exactly five months, while others take more like five-and-a-half, while still others (Mostly Easter eggers) take six, seven or eight months to lay.

 

[krista74]

8 MONTHS?! I swear, these chickens are such free-loaders! My guess is that they are around the 6mo mark now. I really expected better of the RIR's after their good egg-laying reputation and all. They need to get with the program, ha ha!

 

[earlybird10842]

8 MONTHS?! I swear, these chickens are such free-loaders! My guess is that they are around the 6mo mark now. I really expected better of the RIR's after their good egg-laying reputation and all. They need to get with the program, ha ha!

If you don't have EEs, it shouldn't really take that long. Keep us updated on when they lay!

 

[krista74]

Well, as it turns out, apparently complaining a lot helps. So too does me walking into the coop singing "Where's your egg at? Where's your egg at! Where's your egg at!" This morning, there were 3 eggs, not the usual 2 I am used to harvesting. The second BO has finally started laying! So, to my 3 egg-less RIR's, listen up - Mama wants a 6 egg omelette tomorrow! Take a lesson from your BO sisters and get cracking!

 

[iwiw60]

Well, as it turns out, apparently complaining a lot helps. So too does me walking into the coop singing "Where's your egg at? Where's your egg at! Where's your egg at!" This morning, there were 3 eggs, not the usual 2 I am used to harvesting. The second BO has finally started laying! So, to my 3 egg-less RIR's, listen up - Mama wants a 6 egg omelette tomorrow! Take a lesson from your BO sisters and get cracking!