Waiting for the $1000 eggs 🥴

[FunClucks]

I have 5 prairie bluebells (Hoover's Hatchery fancy version of a blue layer easter egger). They've taken a month or more longer than my production red hens and my buff orpingtons, but have finally come into lay in the last month or so. My production has increased in the last month from 9-11 to 11-14 eggs daily from 15 hens. I think it may be due to the fact that they live in an open air coop (covered run with a clear tarp), and get every last bit of daylight. Also, they're all less than a year old and in excellent health. I thought about putting a light in the covered run, but so far I don't need it, and it's the middle of December (!!!). I keep waiting for them to take a break so I can worm them without having to trash the eggs, but only one is molting so far...

We've only had a month or so of weather that goes below freezing - I put plastic up on the sides of the run, but then had to roll it all up when the weather went back into the 40s-60s. Here's some pics of my below freezing setup and my rest of the year setup to give ideas for sunlight exposure. I don't have to deal with snow in North Alabama, (few days of snow, maybe 1-6" total, melts in a few hours) but it's the same latitude as Central New Mexico, so I thought I'd post. Folks often say we have weather similar to that of the green parts of Texas.

ETA: I see decreased production by an egg or two when it's gray and rainy for a few days, so I really do think the sunlight is affecting them.

 

[ChickeninSync]

I’m getting anxious - be patient with me I have 4 OG and several right behind. My OGs are now 23 weeks and the others are 19 weeks. No eggs! Do they look close to you or do you think they will wait until spring? Weather here has been back and forth. First 4 pics are my OGs (barnyard mix) 5th and 6th are 19weeks (Blue Plymouth and cemanis)
Thanks!View attachment 3347869View attachment 3347871View attachment 3347873View attachment 3347874View attachment 3347876View attachment 3347877

I tried Ayam Cemani, but was disappointed by low egg production. They only lay about 80 eggs/year according to most chicken facts. I switched to Svart Hona otherwise known as Swedish Black Hen. They are from Sweden and was originally brought there in the 17th century from Mozambique from Ayam Cemani/Kadaknath breeds. The ship wrecked off the coast of Sweden and some of the Mozambique stock survived and made it to land where they survived in the wild. They are considered a landrace breed because of surviving in the wild without human intervention. They adapted to the cold environment and they lay 180-250 eggs/year. They do go broody and are excellent mothers. I am on my first incubated hatch of 8, and they are 15 weeks old.

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

I have 5 prairie bluebells (Hoover's Hatchery fancy version of a blue layer easter egger). They've taken a month or more longer than my production red hens and my buff orpingtons, but have finally come into lay in the last month or so. My production has increased in the last month from 9-11 to 11-14 eggs daily from 15 hens. I think it may be due to the fact that they live in an open air coop (covered run with a clear tarp), and get every last bit of daylight. Also, they're all less than a year old and in excellent health. I thought about putting a light in the covered run, but so far I don't need it, and it's the middle of December (!!!). I keep waiting for them to take a break so I can worm them without having to trash the eggs, but only one is molting so far...

We've only had a month or so of weather that goes below freezing - I put plastic up on the sides of the run, but then had to roll it all up when the weather went back into the 40s-60s. Here's some pics of my below freezing setup and my rest of the year setup to give ideas for sunlight exposure. I don't have to deal with snow in North Alabama, (few days of snow, maybe 1-6" total, melts in a few hours) but it's the same latitude as Central New Mexico, so I thought I'd post. Folks often say we have weather similar to that of the green parts of Texas.

ETA: I see decreased production by an egg or two when it's gray and rainy for a few days, so I really do think the sunlight is affecting them.

Well, I thought about that, and it does make sense. My girls hang out in the coop a lot, it’s gotten colder here, and my rooster in the other flock keeps alerting to these annoying hawks that are flying low to the runs lately. I’m too paranoid to let them free range, even with me standing with them. I can wait, this is part of the fun

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

I tried Ayam Cemani, but was disappointed by low egg production. They only lay about 80 eggs/year according to most chicken facts. I switched to Svart Hona otherwise known as Swedish Black Hen. They are from Sweden and was originally brought there in the 17th century from Mozambique from Ayam Cemani/Kadaknath breeds. The ship wrecked off the coast of Sweden and some of the Mozambique stock survived and made it to land where they survived in the wild. They are considered a landrace breed because of surviving in the wild without human intervention. They adapted to the cold environment and they lay 180-250 eggs/year. They do go broody and are excellent mothers. I am on my first incubated hatch of 8, and they are 15 weeks old.

I kind of came into these Cemanis, I didn’t choose them but they are actually fantastic. The rooster is just the best leader, and the babies I hatched are so friendly and loving. I have had zero issues with any I’ve had/have (21 and 13 in the bator). But yes, the egg production is iffy. If they weren’t so pretty and friendly I really wouldn’t have need for them, but they started both my flocks and I really enjoy all of it

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

My husband just said to me “let’s let them out” and five minutes later a hawk cruises by and just watched the chickens from a tree. I guess 15 minutes is better than nothing.

 

[lori_smith99]

Did you happen to witness the first one? I’ve got a chair in the coop I just go and sit on to just watch them. They’re so content and happy, I’m loving this gig

I have a chari too. I laugh that watching them is better than TV

 

[the old rooster]

I’m getting anxious - be patient with me I have 4 OG and several right behind. My OGs are now 23 weeks and the others are 19 weeks. No eggs! Do they look close to you or do you think they will wait until spring? Weather here has been back and forth. First 4 pics are my OGs (barnyard mix) 5th and 6th are 19weeks (Blue Plymouth and cemanis)
Thanks!View attachment 3347869View attachment 3347871View attachment 3347873View attachment 3347874View attachment 3347876View attachment 3347877

I dont see anything about your nesting boxes, Chickens need to feel safe to lay eggs, there might be an occasional egg in the run but, if they dont have a "feel safe" place to lay their eggs they might hide them on you in their run. so, you will have your own Easter Egg Hunt trying to find them. most hens lay 5 to 6 months old , good luck and let me know how it goes..........The Old Rooster

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

what do you mean by OG?

Original-the first chickens I incubated and raised

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

I dont see anything about your nesting boxes, Chickens need to feel safe to lay eggs, there might be an occasional egg in the run but, if they dont have a "feel safe" place to lay their eggs they might hide them on you in their run. so, you will have your own Easter Egg Hunt trying to find them. most hens lay 5 to 6 months old , good luck and let me know how it goes..........The Old Rooster

I hope they feel safe in what we have created for them in the coop, it’s a work in progress - more than enough boxes and space under the boxes (that was unintentional). Any feedback and suggestions appreciated

 

[msmidwick]

If they don't start laying soon, I always give them a few tablespoons of Omega Egg Maker in their feed. I have an automatic feeder, so I put some feed in a cottage cheese carton mixed with the Egg Maker and put it on the ground. They love it and it does prompt them to start laying. It is expensive - $15 for a bag, but it lasts a long time. Good luck. Merry Christmas!