Why did someone tell me that I have too many roo's???

[coffeenutdesign]

Are you sure about this? I find my rooster eat a considerable amount LESS than my hens. The hens eat a lot as they need the energy for the eggs.

Yes, I'm sure. Not only that, but my roo eats the "bought" feed. I let mine free range and he spends all his day finding goodies for the girls like he is supposed to and doesn't eat much of the "free" food himself. Instead, he waits until they go in to roost at night and then eats the layer pellets when they are finished eating. He is very gentlemanly that way (which is how he avoided the stew pot).

 

[soler]

is it possible they are laying on the grounds? if they free range all day they could be "nesting" outside. I'd look around carefully, i have a red comet that likes to sneak in the middle of a bush and lay one in there sometimes.

Also, could they be going into molt?

Everyone looks very healthy, and the girls don't look like they have been getting beaten up by the roosters at all. You seem to have a lot of roosters, but if they are getting along peacefully and you don't mind feeding them... well, then, why not! I love my roosters, i also have "more than i should", but they look out for the girls when they free range, and everyone looks great.

 

[Chica Lady]

Thank you for all the responses. I think I will get some more hens. I spoke with someone at TSC the other night, and he mentioned that I should wait until at least 9 months.

 

[donrae]

Folks have asked you about them laying in hidden places and you haven't responded.....have you done a serious egg hunt where they have access? They often have no idea they're "supposed" to lay in a special box.

 

[centrarchid]

Low egg output due to age of most females combined with time of year. Egg production will pickup greatly once days get longer and molt is complete.

 

[Chica Lady]

I have searched the yard thoroughly. I do have dummy eggs in all the nest boxes, but they free range all day, so will they know? The older hen that does lay, lays in her nest box. will she be a good example for the rest of them? two of the EEs combs has turned red, but no other signs.

what about the banties? what is the average age of lay for them?

i thought they wouldnt molt the first year?

I am such a newbie, even my local chicken farmer friend cant believe theyre not laying yet.

 

[centrarchid]

I have searched the yard thoroughly. I do have dummy eggs in all the nest boxes, but they free range all day, so will they know? The older hen that does lay, lays in her nest box. will she be a good example for the rest of them? two of the EEs combs has turned red, but no other signs.

what about the banties? what is the average age of lay for them?

i thought they wouldnt molt the first year?

I am such a newbie, even my local chicken farmer friend cant believe theyre not laying yet.

My hens in heavy molt are not laying. Pullets that are just now old enough to molt will not likely start up until day length starts to increase.

It is not a purely age issue. Based on ages / breeds making up your flock, I would not be surprised if no eggs are being produced this time of year. All my game hens are done and many are finishing molt but will not commence laying at earliest until January.