No, my girls have not started laying. I am so ready. I did though put some decoy eggs in the nest boxes as it is supposed to show them where to lay their eggs.
This girl had her wing clipped. She is starting to really jump and fly high and when I saw her on a gate just below the back wall I knew she needed to be clipped. It does not hurt them and she was very calm while my husband held her so I could clip her.
She was checking it out here. I can see I missed a couple of feathers. She never knew it even happened after about 30 seconds.
This girl is so inquisitive. They say the Barred Rocks are curious and she always wants to know what I am doing.
Their bottoms are getting fluffier and wider in preparation for laying those anticipated eggs.
When I had chickens...AND they had run of our property...when they would be starting to lay their eggs I would HAVE TO(A MUST)keep the door to the chicken coop CLOSED with them in it until they started using the nest. "THEY GET THE HANG OF IT FAST"...if there has NOT been any eggs yet. It's TIME for you to GO SCOUT OUT WHERE they are laying. It was like a scavenger hunt and we ALL got involved(not easy to find them either)... In my case I never clipped their wings DUE to the fact they need that flight to get away from danger...GOOD LUCK!
ReplyDeleteI know you will be so excited when they lay that first egg! They are so cute! Hugs, Lynn
ReplyDeleteSince I know nothing about the whole chicken thing, including the fact that you put decoy eggs in there to "inspire" them, I will simply say, they have grown so much! Elaine, if you go away for a few days, what would you do with the chickens? Just wondering in case I ever want to try this. Ann
ReplyDeleteDecoy eggs? I had no idea.
ReplyDeletehow eggciting,, sorry couldn't resist, but really, there is nothing compared to fresh eggs, this I know!!!Chickens are sneaky in their laying habits, they might lay in the most expected places so it will be great if they use their boxes and they do take them quickly, happy chickens lay lots of eggs and yours look really happy to me!
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine. I put a dummy egg in the nest box too, about a week or so later, I had a real one!!! I hope yours will begin to lay soon for you too.
ReplyDeleteI have thought of clipping Aunt Bea's wings, as she is the only one who seems to easily escape. But now I have the run entirely enclosed, and even she has not escaped. Don't you wish you had done this years ago??? I do!!!
Cluck-cluck!!
You will soon have eggs...and it will be worth the wait! They are very cute!!
ReplyDeleteI do love Barred Rocks, and yours is very lovely x
ReplyDeleteHello Elaine,
ReplyDeleteLooking at your chick girls reminds me old times...when I had a couple of chicken pets. That's right!
They are always checking what you are up to, ha, ha, ha!
So smart!
Gabriela
I got so excited thinking your first egg was laid. They sure are purty little chickies.
ReplyDeleteGood idea!
ReplyDeleteGiving them a little motivation :)
Smiles :)
Kerin
I love the lil black and white feathered bottom lol.I posted my babies today be sure to stop by and take a look! Sorry it took so long to share.
ReplyDeleteWow! You're chickens seem like they are doing so well. Our nuggets are starting to get fluffy tails. You know, we were planning on putting them in the freezer. We're waiting until the growing season is over in the garden. They are doing a great job keeping the 'HOPPERS' away. So far so good.
ReplyDeleteI haven't clipped either-- too many predators here.
They've gotten too big for the tractor we built...(the second one) and George won't let them in the coop.
right now they are roosting at night on my new porch! I hate it.
I have to 'SWAB THE DECK' every day!
Pat
Love it that the girls have their routine down! That makes life easier, doesn't it. Hope they are great egg layers. They sure are pretty! (although they'll probably sue you for that most intimate camera shot!) lol
ReplyDeleteElaine, I love it - city chickens! Wonder if I could get away with it. My bachelor neighbor has two ducks, so maybe ...
ReplyDeleteI love watching the progress of those chickens, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
My pullets just started laying all about the same time. We put golf balls in the nests, and that works, too - except one of the pullets likes to lay in the bottom of the coop. Not sure why she won't get into the nest... I've got two puffy cheeks, too, and a barred rock and a few others. It's SO fun and I never get tired of looking for eggs! Yours will be laying before long!
ReplyDeleteDecoy eggs...how cute! I know nothing about chickens so you definitely taught me something tonight!
ReplyDeleteI'm back from a long blog break and hope to see you at Potpourri Friday!
Hubby and I adore all the updates on your "City Chicks". We're thinking about possibly getting some on down the road. I don't want to be too hasty and want to make sure this is what we really want to do. Hubby worked at a chicken farm when he was younger so at least he has some experience with them plus, he's got some hilarious stories himself too. Thanks for sharing and can't wait to hear the good news :)
ReplyDeleteIt's fun watching all the fun YOU are getting from your "girls", Elaine.
ReplyDeleteThey'll be laying in no time :-)
blessings..Trish xx
They are so cute, Elaine.....you old feather-clipper you! Can't wait to see your post about that first egg-xo Diana
ReplyDeleteHow exciting...I know nothing about raising chickens. So fun that you are able to keep them. I don't believe we live in an area that would permit it. ENjoy the end of June~
ReplyDeleteshawn
We've used golf balls for decoy eggs. And bouncy balls. They don't care about the color.
ReplyDeleteYour first eggs might have a really soft shell, like a water balloon, sort of. It's normal.
And young hens frequently lay double-yolkers too.
~cathy
I live in the country and there's a house down the road with free range chickens and roosters. I hear the roosters all the time. Love the sound. Good luck with your egg layers.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey this has been for all of us to watch! I can't wait either until they lay that first egg! How exciting that will be! What will you do while you're on vacation?
ReplyDeleteI'm s jealous, you have real chickens andare waiting for eggs. All I have is chickens that I create myself. ALL THE BEST TO YOU GIRL.
ReplyDeleteBernice
Hope you have eggs soon! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteSherry