When to expect first eggs?

[rkhyland]

We are new to chickens and country life in general.

We got our baby chicks at the end of April, all pullets, assorted breeds. What we have left, after death losses and selling some, are Araucana and Light Brahma. We have not had any eggs appear yet.

On the same line, I also bought some adult Aracauna hens and Blue Cochin hens, all 1 year old. The Aracuana hens were laying pretty well all summer but stopped suddenly a couple months ago and no more eggs. The Blue Cochin have never laid any eggs at all!

There was a bit of stress a month -2 months back, our dogs got out and killed a bunch of guineas and a goat. The chickens are in a coop and were fine but some of the guinea killing took place right outside the cooop.

Any advice appreciated to get the freeloading birds in production!

Thanks,
Kim
South Dakota

 

[debilorrah]

Hi Kim

. First off I want to say I am so sorry for the things you guys have gone through!!! If I am correct, the birds are now 7 months, right? 6 months old is average for them to start laying, however, some birds wait for 7, 8 or 9 months to lay. With the upheaval they have had, and the shorter days, I wouldn't expect much from them for a bit. They will probably start laying right smack in the middle of winter, which means you will only get 2-3 eggs a week from each. Be patient. Spring is right around the corner, and then you won't know what to do with them all.

 

[rkhyland]

Spring is right around the corner????? June is not right around the corner!

Have you spent much time in South Dakota?

Thanks for letting me know they are only on the outside edge of normal though! They eat tons of food and give nothing in return, they have it so easy right now!

Kim

 

[Crazy_For_Chickens]

Just wait they will begin laying when they fell like it.



I hate it when the become freeloaders!

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
You are funny! The longer days start toward the end of February around here anyways. Ours are all on strike too, and it is frustrating. We have 6 14 week old chicks and 4 3 weeks olds, so we will be overrun next year.

 

[Akane]

The first day of spring is in march not june. 3 months to go. June is summer to me even in Iowa. The chickens should start laying again end of Feb to march depending where you are. They lay by mostly daylight not temps. Even if it's cold they will lay if they have enough light provided they aren't so cold it's overly stressing their bodies.