Young Layer

[karenmragan]

Hello everyone, maybe you can answer a question about fertility and egg laying?

I witnessed a very young pullet (14 weeks) accept the advances of a cockerel. The pullet is an Ameraucana. I thought that pullets will only mate if they are ready to lay...Should I be getting some more nest boxes ready? I expected this much later.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She could have been just submitting to a dominant cockeral who is taking advantage. Is her comb getting red and enlarging? Generally you will see mating begin generally up to a month before they start to lay.

 

[SueT]

I would be getting nest boxes ready.

 

[karenmragan]

Ok, some of the other pullets have red combs already. I will start working on more boxes.

 

[aart]

I will start working on more boxes.

Why do you need more boxes?
Already have hens using some nests?
You only need 1 nest for every 3-4 layers.

 

[karenmragan]

Why do you need more boxes?
Already have hens using some nests?
You only need 1 nest for every 3-4 layers.

I got 28 more chickens and built new coops to accommodate them. I haven't added nests to the new coops yet.

 

[aart]

I got 28 more chickens and built new coops to accommodate them. I haven't added nests to the new coops yet.

Oh, haha!! Yeah, better get them in there.

 

[Gdove419]

I have 13 chickens and 5 nest boxes in the coop..they all like to use the same box. Today two of them were loudly squawking over whose turn it was to be in the box..I also have 13 ducks and a couple of the female ducks use the boxes also! They seem to like the popular spot!

 

[aart]

I have 13 chickens and 5 nest boxes in the coop..they all like to use the same box.

Put a fake egg in each nest...it'll spread the love.

 

[karenmragan]

Put a fake egg in each nest...it'll spread the love.

Fake egg or no, they still have their favorite boxes.