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9:16 pm
I think I did starter till they were like bigger than small but smaller than big chickens. You know teenagers, I have no idea when that was. And many times they got food scraps instead of feed. Maybe Ill pay more attention to what I do with the next batch so I wont sound like I do right now. Just play it by ear is what I do. Must be the moon or lack of
9:34 pm
Jayne said:
52 said:
OK—#3—I'm no expert, but I think the reason to keep them on chick starter for a few months, besides the higher protein, is because it's medicated.
Marking this day again! 52 are you really a guy?? Guys don't admit these things this many times……are we going to 10 or 12 no experts til there's a picture??
We're going for 9…
11:40 pm
beeyourself said:
Jayne said:
52 said:
OK—#3—I'm no expert, but I think the reason to keep them on chick starter for a few months, besides the higher protein, is because it's medicated.
Marking this day again! 52 are you really a guy?? Guys don't admit these things this many times……are we going to 10 or 12 no experts til there's a picture??
We're going for 9…
Oh good that means we only have to "catch" him six more times…..be careful 52!!
9:22 am
November 18, 2008
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Jayne said:
52 said:
OK—#3—I'm no expert, but I think the reason to keep them on chick starter for a few months, besides the higher protein, is because it's medicated.
Marking this day again! 52 are you really a guy?? Guys don't admit these things this many times……are we going to 10 or 12 no experts til there's a picture??
You should check to be sure the starter has the medicine in it, but I think most, if not all, does. Their immune systems aren't developed, I think is the reason.
Yes, I'm really a guy—-at least last time I checked. 
And I'm Not an expert on much of anything, even though I'm an engineer. I always say "I can work on anything, but there's a lot of stuff I can't fix".
If you really Have to see a picture, look at the post for 12/8/08. That's the only one—-
3:27 pm
February 3, 2009
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Nice to meet you! I still like the cup pic. I will have to make a trip through the recipe files again too by the way. So how do you stay so fit with all of what Suzanne bakes for you??? LOL
Thank you for the help every body getting us started with our chickies. I can't wait for eggs!!!
4:15 pm
November 18, 2008
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monica said:
Nice to meet you! I still like the cup pic. I will have to make a trip through the recipe files again too by the way. So how do you stay so fit with all of what Suzanne bakes for you??? LOL
Thank you for the help every body getting us started with our chickies. I can't wait for eggs!!!
There are ants (teenagers) in the house, so I don't even See a lot of the stuff Suzanne cooks/bakes. (Sometimes I look at the blog and say, "Oh, That's what was for dinner last night." )Then there's the farm work———
No, I'm not complaining 
5:07 pm
February 3, 2009
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You have ants. . .we have mice . . .
Well, you can't eat a blog!! That is a good diet secret! LOL.
5:16 pm
February 3, 2009
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'nother question:
How do you know whether a hen is ready to start laying an egg VS just sitting down and taking a break? Our chicks/pullets are about 10 weeks, but the nest boxes are not quite finished in the 'Chicken Castle'. Is there certain behaviors to watch out for besides 4-5 months old?
Now that they are outside, in the coop, they want to set on the floor. The run is not finished yet and there is not a light installed yet. When they were in the house, there was not enough room for them to have a roost.
Any hints are greatly welcomed!
12:43 pm
February 10, 2009
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There's a combination of clues about laying…. when they're getting close to laying age, their combs and wattles get bright red. It's a hormonal thing. As soon as one or two 'brightens up' you'll see the difference.
Then there's the 'squat'… they'll sort of hunker down low, raise their wings/shoulders up just a little for balance, duck their heads a little and sometimes sort of shift their weight, almost as if they're stomping their feet. If you have a rooster, they do this as a sort of, come-hither thing, they're ready for the roo to do his job. If you don't have a rooster, they'll do it to you since you are the food provider etc, and also somethimes to head hens in the flock as a sign of submission. Usually they will lay an egg within a week or two of doing the 'squat' thing.
2:26 pm
BuckeyeGirl said:
There's a combination of clues about laying…. when they're getting close to laying age, their combs and wattles get bright red. It's a hormonal thing. As soon as one or two 'brightens up' you'll see the difference.
Then there's the 'squat'… they'll sort of hunker down low, raise their wings/shoulders up just a little for balance, duck their heads a little and sometimes sort of shift their weight, almost as if they're stomping their feet. If you have a rooster, they do this as a sort of, come-hither thing, they're ready for the roo to do his job. If you don't have a rooster, they'll do it to you since you are the food provider etc, and also somethimes to head hens in the flock as a sign of submission. Usually they will lay an egg within a week or two of doing the 'squat' thing.
Great description. I never really noticed -- but then we've got a bunch, the henhouse isn't near the house and Mike is usually the one that collects the eggs. We have hens at all ages and stages so the only way I can tell we have a new hen joining in is the size of the new eggs -- tiny!
2:54 pm
February 8, 2009
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How smart…I can be real blind for signs…I just do the math.
Like there almost 20 weeks..they should start laying every day now.
Never looked for other signs than my calender 
4:56 pm
February 10, 2009
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Flatlander said:
How smart…I can be real blind for signs…I just do the math.
Like there almost 20 weeks..they should start laying every day now.
Never looked for other signs than my calender
LOL, I can't seem to keep track of the days of the week let alone how old the hens are. I go strictly by the look of the hens and how they act. funny huh? Just shows it takes all kinds. 
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