When will they start earning their keep? (Coturnix) *I GOT AN EGG!!*

[quiltnchik]

As if it wasn't bad enough that out of the 8 Coturnix that hatched my first go-round, only 3 are females, now the little freeloaders aren't laying (they were 6 weeks old Tuesday)! When will these crazy birds finally start earning their keep?!? *LoL*

 

[CARS]

Hmmm....

Mine lay eggs daily, I butcher offen, and sell some fertial eggs. Still haven't broke even on these things

(really didn't plan on it though. More of an experiment for me)

 

[quiltnchik]

Quote:
I don't literally expect them to "earn their keep." It would just be nice to start seeing some eggs from the little butt-heads! *LoL*

 

[AHappychick]

soon can take up to 8 weeks.

 

[Isablahblah]

mine were fully grown when i got them and would not lay eggs for about a month. finally started laying this past sunday

 

[becky3086]

Yeah, a lot of times it will take 8 weeks.

 

[mamawolf544]

I got my first eggs off e-bay in April. Hatched out about 60 babies. And my first eggs are hatching today from them, and I put another 100 in the bator. I have sold some eggs and pickled a few and they are so much fun. Those are A&M's. But my Bobwhites are suppose to start laying next week. I'm not so sure about them, they are almost as bad as waiting for a chicken to lay their 1st egg. LOL
But nothing at my house ever earns it's keep!!!

Terri

 

[monarc23]

6 weeks is normally just an early laying period i've had some take 12 weeks to start laying for the first time. key is light, 14 hours a day

This time of the year natural light will work

 

[texaschickmama]

Patience my dear, patience!!! It's only 6-8 wks. Just imagine if you had Bob Whites, that's a good 26 wks. Are you feeding gamebird starter, breeder, or layer?

 

[quiltnchik]

Quote:
I'm using game bird starter. I guess it's like my mom always says, "When the apple is ripe, it will fall," but I swear it's like watching paint dry!

At least I don't have to wait as long on the Coturnix as I do my chickens; I've had them since May and they still aren't old enough to lay!