A lovely surprise!

[nirufallon]

I bought 4 female leghorn chicks in June. According to the breeder, 2 were about 13 weeks old then and the other two ~8 weeks. I expected them to start laying in October or so, but no such luck. Now the daya have gone so short and so cold that I was resigned to wait till spring for them to lay. However, on the morning of 1st Dec, I couldn't beleive my eyes when I saw the most beautiful white egg in the chicken house! It was magical. I have worked out its the youngest chicken that's laying. She has been laying an egg everyday since. However, I am wondering if the other three have a problem. This is teh first time we have kept chickens, so I am worried. I have been feeding them organic layers pellets and corn etc.. Have I over fed them.

Has anyone got any ideas as to why they may not be laying or why they are late in laying...

Any feedback will be very helpful.

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[khrday]

Don`t worry to much every one this year is having some form of trouble if its birds not laying or not putting feathers on plus the weather has a lot to do with it if its cold and damp that affects egg production don`t forget its not light till 8.00 and dark at 3.30 so most of the food they consume is helping them to keep fit and warm during these long dark nights if you had some form of light in your cote say to come on at 3.30 and go off at 9.00 or9. 30 you don't need a big wattage bulb say a 60 watt! thats if you want eggs , but if you are quite happy with the way things are don`t worry nature will tell them when to start laying an as far as food go`s if you feed hard grain just give them enough so that they clear it all up and none is left out for the vermin, regards Keith