I bought some chicks before Easter and I have three that have been laying eggs and two that don't . Is this normal or is there something I need to do to make them start laying. Jerry
I bought some chicks before Easter and I have three that have been laying eggs and two that don't . Is this normal or is there something I need to do to make them start laying. Jerry
Are the two roosters? [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Egon [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
No they are all hens.
It can take some hens 26-28 weeks before they start laying.
Joe
If they aren't laying by 8 months, replace them and have them for Sunday dinner.
[img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Pat [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
Thanks JoeR and Pat. Ok I have another question, I don't have a rooster would that help out the ones that aren't laying or does it make no difference. Jerry
Depends on if you are selling the eggs to health food types or not. The hens lay just fine without roosters. Egg ranches usually have no roosters. Some Health Food adherents claim that fertilized eggs are more natural and more healthy. I prefer eggs NOT from caged hens in laying factories. I prefer eggs from chickens that get to eat bugs and grass. The yolks are so pretty golden and rich looking.
You can always try soaking their feet in warm epson salts solution and massaging their feet and letting them watch reruns of "All in the Family" as that will have the same effect as having roosters in with them.
They will lay or not. If not, chicken on the menu the first Sunday after the previously posted "deadline."
Pat
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
Sorry Pat, but Archie Bunker doesn't do anything for my hens. My hens prefer to watch the Barnyard movie. It keeps them cackling when they see a bull with utters. [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Joe
Pat: I know that roosters are not necessary for egg production. However our free range production reds are much calmer and less fractious with a rooster or 2 around. We have a small silky rooster that literally rules the roost. When he uses that "Big black bird in the sky" cry, you should see the old gals run for cover. Of course this would never happen in an egg factory.
Adron
You can have it good, quick or cheap. Pick 2.
Ya know, I had some roosters (rapists) and they learned really fast what my right foot felt like. I have since gotten rid of them and received 2 foundling bantams. They don't rape my hens because they are a fraction their (the hens) size and the womens pretty much keep them in line. I like hearing them crow in the morning and not having to deal with bare backs and bald heads! My hens also love to sit on my husband's new Massey. I'm trying to get a picture of it because it really is 'A Chick Magnet!'
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