Why do my girls lay small eggs?

[new2chickens2011]

So I know that when hens start laying the eggs for the first month are small. But my girls have been laying since January, and the eggs are still small!! Is there anything I should be doing differently or feeding differently? Just wonderin. Thanks!

 

[JulieNKC]

I think the egg size will get slightly bigger when they are pullets, then get bigger after they molt. My older hens lay eggs that are quite a bit bigger than my pullets.

 

[TrystInn]

What's their protein percentage in their feed?

 

[new2chickens2011]

Protein is 17%

 

[VkyVky]

How many grams per egg are you talking about? My chickens will be a year old May 31st, so I am curious about whether their eggs will get bigger. My chickens range from 54 - 69 grams depending on which one.

 

[bugkiller]

Check out this months issue of "chickens" magizine that is published from hobby farm magizine if you can get it. There is a good article on "odd" eggs and why it happens.

 

[new2chickens2011]

About 40-50 grams is the usual. Some bigger on occasion.

 

[Coop de Grille]

We got our second egg today and both have been very tiny. I didn't weigh the first egg, but the one we got today was the same size and only 34 grams. My chickens are Buff Orpingtons, I thought they were supposed to lay a good sized egg.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

They will get larger! It may take of few months but given a layer mash and time soon they will be extra large...they are just maturing.

 

[queenie332]

This is my second batch of buff orpingtons. My first batch did not lay this many small eggs. These are smaller than regular eggs you get in the store, very small. My other buffs and my Wyandotte's lay huge eggs. This new batch are young though, only 5 months, but have been laying eggs for a good month now. I kept them on chick starter until they started laying and now have then on laying mash. But they do free range also. Does that have anything to do with how big their eggs are? I would definitely recommend orpingtons to anyone with a small flock who wants to interact with their hens. They are just the best natured chickens. They come up and want to be petted! My Wyandottes are so mean, they pick each others feathers out and just look awful. They also will not integrate with the orpingtons. They have been free ranging together for at least a month but have had sight of each other always. If anyone can help me with that please do. I might have to give the Wyandottes away. Thanks