What time do chickens lay eggs??

[katekearby]

I think you're doing it exactly right! We feed ours the same way and I hope they're as happy as they make us, especially with the treats!
The bulletin is geared toward commercial production, so relevant for us on BYC for comparison only.

Thank you , they came to me as 'started pullets' I paid a premium price to get the age and breeds I wanted. That was 5 weeks ago, 2 appear to be maybe thinking about laying now. Makes me wonder what I am doing wrong?

 

[missnu01]

Because they are chickens and live on chicken time. Ever seen one wearing a watch? Not to mention when they first start to lay they will leave eggs wherever they are at at that moment. So don't just check your nest boxes

 

[katekearby]

Because they are chickens and live on chicken time. Ever seen one wearing a watch? Not to mention when they first start to lay they will leave eggs wherever they are at at that moment. So don't just check your nest boxes

Thanks, it is a small play yard protected outside of the coop, and I've read the stories of 'egg farts' so I look everywhere . I've seen the 2 'squatting' I think one has been working on the song, but nothing for the kitchen yet. I have a couple more 'started pullets' coming and I'm hoping that doesn't totally mess up the progress at this point? Maybe they'll be jealous and start laying because?

 

[ochochicas]

My interpretation of the article was that it is a guide for people to want maximum egg production, like an egg farm. I don't think it is necessary for the average chicken owner to pull food during the day and then put it back in the coop in the afternoon. My hens have access to food all day. They go to bed with very full crops so they are clearly getting their digestive needs met at all hours of the day.

 

[lovemy6hens]

I looked through the thread & didn't see if a post stating how old yours were, katekearby. I may have missed it. How old are your pullets? I don't know if started pullets are the same thing as point-of-lay pullets. That might make a difference, so hopefully someone can address that.
Mine all hatched the same day, but one started laying a full month after the first one did. The first one was five months old.
Judging from what I've read on BYC, most of us give them free access to food all day and it seems we also spoil them sweet with healthy treats. Maybe those are just the threads I read though. Either way, try not to worry too much. Just like almost everything else, that's much easier said than done.

 

[katekearby]

I looked through the thread & didn't see if a post stating how old yours were, katekearby. I may have missed it. How old are your pullets? I don't know if started pullets are the same thing as point-of-lay pullets. That might make a difference, so hopefully someone can address that.
Mine all hatched the same day, but one started laying a full month after the first one did. The first one was five months old.
Judging from what I've read on BYC, most of us give them free access to food all day and it seems we also spoil them sweet with healthy treats. Maybe those are just the threads I read though.

Either way, try not to worry too much. Just like almost everything else, that's much easier said than done.

according to the purchase they were suppose to be about 15-20 weeks old when shipped. 2, one of each breed, rock and NHRed are 'reddening' this week in their combs and waddles and those are the 2 that have been 'acting' like they may been getting ready. So if they were 15 weeks old when they shipped, that would make the 21 weeks old now.

 

[lovemy6hens]

They're right on schedule, as much as that's possible. It's sort of like the answer to the laying time question though.

 

[missnu01]

I've always had one really late to start. I always like the first eggs and where I find them. Sitting on the top of the steps, the end of the ramp, middle of the coop floor, middle of the yard. I think newly laying chickens don't know what is happening right at first. It's funny though.

 

[missnu01]

I'm looking for 6 or 7 to start around July or August I hope. I hope they get to start this year. I got them the end of February beginning of March I think. So hopefully they get to lay before the season is over. I hate the waiting.

 

[DarleneE]

Well I think I'm very lucky with what I've read here so far.. lol My Daisy started laying last week. She lays every 25 hours like clockwork, her eggs are perfect and she's ALWAYS laid them in her nest.. either the one in their coop or the one in their play area, depending on where they're at when she's due to lay!! So I just honestly couldn't be happier or more proud of my baby girl!!!!