Virginia

[Fowl Explorer]

Hi Troy! I'm in Louisa, also looking for relatively close "buds".

I have Dorkings, Buckeyes and Silver Appleyard Ducks. Oh yeah, hatched last nite was an unknown parentage chick. I had to give that broody pullet Something to do!

Barb

 

[Fowl Explorer]

I believe there is someone in Louisa with Black Marans. Why not try Cygnet Hollow Farm? They are at the Mineral Farmer's Market or look on their FB page.
Barb

 

[tmorgan46]

Thanks Woodsdweller! I appreciate you throwing out the welcome mat!!

 

[Woodsdweller]

I throw lots of things.. some end up sociable.

 

[2lilchkns]

I have a question--- I have 9 pullets (crested cream legbars, rhode bars, and chocolate orpingtons) who were hatched on May 18th, and 3 pullets (buff orps) who hatched June 15th. So, the first group is about 20 weeks, and the second group is 16 weeks. Will they start to lay soon, or am I out of luck because the days are starting to get shorter? I don't use artificial lighting. Though I am impatient for fresh eggs, maybe I should get some battery operated Christmas lights in there

 

[annabellaknits]

I Feel your pain I have 3 pullets hatched April 21st and still no eggs. I also got three laying pullets 3 weeks ago and they haven't layed either?

 

[Woodsdweller]

About the only thing you can do is be patient. Some chickens start laying at 16 weeks, some won't lay until 30 weeks. I have a couple 26 week old English Orpingtons that haven't started laying yet. When I got a few 1 year old RIR laying hens a while back it took 4 weeks before they got settled in and started laying again. Even with molting and shorter days some will continue to lay regularly. Now would be a good time to stock up on recipes.

 

[ApiaryandAviary]

About the only thing you can do is be patient. Some chickens start laying at 16 weeks, some won't lay until 30 weeks. I have a couple 26 week old English Orpingtons that haven't started laying yet. When I got a few 1 year old RIR laying hens a while back it took 4 weeks before they got settled in and started laying again. Even with molting and shorter days some will continue to lay regularly. Now would be a good time to stock up on recipes.  

English Orpingtons are late to feather and late to lay. They will Lay for years unlike some chickens that lay early such a Leghorns. They lay early and often and burn out early. An English Orpington could go to 8 months before laying BUT once they start laying. They lay and lay. I have two Red and One Buff that have been laying for 2 1/2 years and are still giving an egg a day. However they will Slow down with shorter days ( less light) and cold weather ( they practically pull
In their legs).
Each breed is good for something. Some lay early and burn out early. Good things come to those that wait....

 

[ApiaryandAviary]

Hello, anyone here in Virginia have Polish chickens, Jubilee or Isabel Cuckoo Eng Orps?

 

[gregg3]

I have a question--- I have 9 pullets (crested cream legbars, rhode bars, and chocolate orpingtons) who were hatched on May 18th, and 3 pullets (buff orps) who hatched June 15th. So, the first group is about 20 weeks, and the second group is 16 weeks. Will they start to lay soon, or am I out of luck because the days are starting to get shorter? I don't use artificial lighting. Though I am impatient for fresh eggs, maybe I should get some battery operated Christmas lights in there

I have exclusively Buff Orpingtons. My oldest girls hatched in June 2014 and didn't start laying til nearly Thanksgiving but as ApiaryandAviary mentioned, they haven't missed a day since! They laid consistently through the cold winter and the only thing that has slowed them down was going broody and raising chicks. I've had several rounds of chicks hatched this year between May and July and only 1 has come into lay at this point so be patient! I'd expect them to start laying in the next month, slowly and some irregular shapes, smaller eggs, etc. but by December or January they will have it figured out and be providing great eggs on a daily basis!