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4:42 pm
3rd Grader
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Wed 23-Sep-09
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Hi im new to chickens and have 2 welsummers in a triangular shaped hut on the ground. It has an indoor and outdoor section, in the indoor bit i have shavings on the ground and straw at one end and a perch. They eat a mix of layers pellets and mixed grain and leftovers. We got them in may at 5 weeks and they are now about 6 months, and as yet they havent laid. Any reasons as to why? One chicken looks more developed or ‘grown up’ then the other, ie it has the red crest on head and dangly bits under chin (sorry dont know the proper terms) they are both def girls, as we had 3 to start with and one was a cock so we got rid of it.
9:04 am
Sat 12-Aug-06
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I empathise with you so much. We bought our first hens on POL in August one year and it was January before we got the first egg. Now the days are getting shorter your hen will be less inclined to start to lay.
They will lay when they are ready. You just have to be patient.
You are not alone my blog post
http://www.cottagesmallholder.com/when-will-my-chi.....y-eggs-229 has 504 comments!
10:39 am
Thu 24-Sep-09
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Sympathy, Its terrible to be disappointed day after day, but it will be worth the wait when they do finally start to provide you with more eggs than you can eat!!
on a similar note, how do my girls know when I'm expecting visitors and go into moult?
11:11 am
Senior Class
Mon 14-Sep-09
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How are other peoples egg productions at the mo? My girls (8) are down to about 1 every 2 days, but I do have a couple of defectors who may be hiding theirs away! It seems earlier this year, but maybe Im just not getting up early enough!! I know I read once Bonfire Night to Valentines Day, but Im sure last year it was nearer christmas.
1:44 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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All of mine - even the good layers - have stopped laying now. No more eggs till January 
3:58 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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What will you do, go to a supermarket? How do supermarket suppliers manage to restock?
I'll try that again!
5:07 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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Hi Toffeeapple
Yes we buy them at a supermarket or the village shop.
If you use artificial light to simulate summer light hours the hens will lay all year. But they wear out quickly so we don't do that.
5:10 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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See how little I know about chickens? 
I hadn't realized that it was to do with light levels. Glad you don't go down the same route as commercial suppliers. I like Burford Browns from Waitrose or Happy Eggs from Tesco.
I'll try that again!
1:38 pm
Senior Class
Mon 14-Sep-09
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I hate having to buy eggs, especially as I spend the warmer months desperately giving them away! does anyone freeze eggs, for cake making etc. If so do you whisk them and how do you keep them(in containers in 2 or 3's or in ice cube trays?)
Very funny video sent to me this week by my husband (also Simon!)
Like we didn't know this!!
4:49 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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That was fun!
I'll try that again!
9:30 am
1st Grader
Wed 14-Oct-09
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I have 6 hens, 2 hybrid, 2 maran and 2 speckled sussexd. The hybrids and 1 maran lay every day, the other maran laid for the first time yesterday, and the sussex I am worried about due ot their behaviour - please see other topic on what is the gender of my hens? I think either me or the hens need help!
1:47 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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Hi Lady P
20 weeks is a little early for your hens to be laying - particularly at this time of year.
4:00 pm
2nd Grader
New members
Wed 18-Nov-09
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fn said:
Hi Lady P
20 weeks is a little early for your hens to be laying – particularly at this time of year.
I agree, my new hens (maran and hybrids) are 26 weeks old and only just starting to lay.
I started with ducks to help when the hens go off lay. Two of my Aylesbury have just started lay.
8:14 pm
Supreme Being
Mon 21-Sep-09
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10:03 am
2nd Grader
New members
Wed 18-Nov-09
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I wouldn't there was a best time buy them really.
If you get them in the next month or so, they will have settled in and probably be laying early next year. Whatever you would be wanting to miss (I.E moult or no eggs) you will hit next year anyway.
Chickens are so full of character they are a joy to keep.
PS. The shortest day is Dec 21st so the nights will start getting lighter then.
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