[Jazz1]

New to chickens 20 to 28 weeks old no eggs yet. in small hutch 4ft by 6 ft with an eight ft pen feeding them on layers pellets, growing well good condition. Ist it normal not to be laying. Bought eight weeks ago, just rigged up a light. Can anyone give me any advice.

[lucylou]

hi jazz1!  do you know what breed of hens are they?

[Jazz1]

Got six 2 brown 2 white 2 speckled. Thats all I remember from breeder.

[lucylou]

ive got 8 girls at the moment and only one of them is earning her keep! the others have either stopped laying for the winter - or are waiting until spring to start.  Quite a few people are wondering where their eggs are at this time of year as many of our girls are well old enough by now - apparently if they are ready to lay they will sometimes hang on until the days start to get longer again - maybe towards end of December or evemn spring - ive got a little blighter who is 38 weeks old and im still waiting for her to lay her first egg!!  i expect others will be along soon with their experiences - good luck and let us know when it happens AND WELCOME!!  Lucylou  

[Jazz1]

Thanks for the reply  it puts my mind at rest a little!

[themagicaltoad1]

Are they squatting when you go to touch them? it's a sure sign they're ready, but as has already been said, many have stopped for the winter, you may have to wait for warmer weather.

[Jazz1]

Thanks for all your help, we got our first egg this morning 

Its so Egg-citing 

[lucylou]

congratulations!! it is very exciting - hepefully the others will follow suit shortly

[joyfull]

don't forget we want a photo of it 
so how is the egg to be cooked - my fav is poached on a slice of wholemeal toast 

[BADBACK]

bet your first egg was a double yolker.......

[redspookycooky]

mine haven`t laid for a couple of months, i`m jealous!! i have to get shop bought eggs at the moment, not impressed!