Why are my hens laying so early?

[Dashchicks]

I have 10 mixed breeds from TSC. 4 EE, 2 Sapphire Gems and 4 Starlight green Eggers. They are now about 16 weeks old. 1 to 3 of them are laying small eggs already. 3 are squatting, and I know the first one was only 14 1/2 weeks old when she laid a 37 gram egg and now a week later I had one 26 gram egg yesterday and one 29 gram egg today. I think they’re all different layers. is it okay to mix their grower and layer feed? Has this happened to anyone else.

 

[nuthatched]

16 weeks is early but not too bad. Do they have lights in their coop?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Put them on layer feed. Yes, the hybrids will lay earlier especially if purchased in spring and maturing during lengthening day light (it triggers the egg laying hormones). I usually put my hybrids on layer feed by 12 weeks to help prepare their bodies.

LofMc

 

[Dashchicks]

16 weeks is early but not too bad. Do they have lights in their coop?

No lights in the coop. But it has been sunny and not much rain recently.

 

[Dashchicks]

Put them on layer feed. Yes, the hybrids will lay earlier especially if purchased in spring and maturing during lengthening day light (it triggers the egg laying hormones). I usually put my hybrids on layer feed by 12 weeks to help prepare their bodies.

LofMc

Thank you for that. Makes me feel better after reading some articles telling not to give layer feed. They have been on a 50/50 growth and layer feed for 9 days already. I will continue that mix until I run out.

 

[Dashchicks]

This morning I found what looks to be a soft shell, ripped in half, with the inside eaten out of it. Should I be concerned? I'm on my way to get oyster shells at TSC this morning hoping that may help.

 

[NatJ]

This morning I found what looks to be a soft shell, ripped in half, with the inside eaten out of it. Should I be concerned?

If it only happens once, don't worry.
Many weird things can happen with new layers.
Many of them are one-time things that fix themselves.

So you don't need to do anything unless it happens repeatedly.

I'm on my way to get oyster shells at TSC this morning hoping that may help.

That's a good idea. If some of your pullets need more calcium, that will provide it. And if they don't need it, they can choose not to eat it.

 

[Mrs. K]

Weird eggs do happen, most often they cure themselves. Especially new layers, just go with it. No need to doctor them.

 

[Dashchicks]

If it only happens once, don't worry.
Many weird things can happen with new layers.
Many of them are one-time things that fix themselves.

So you don't need to do anything unless it happens repeatedly.


That's a good idea. If some of your pullets need more calcium, that will provide it. And if they don't need it, they can choose not to eat it.

Thank you!

 

[Dashchicks]

Thank you!